Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Information for Parents and Carers
Every child and young person deserves the chance to learn, develop and achieve their potential.
Some children need extra help and support to learn or take part in everyday activities. This is known as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Children and young people with SEND have the same rights as every other child. They should feel safe, be listened to, included in decisions and supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
This page explains what SEND means, what support is available in South Tyneside and where parents and carers can get advice and help.
What Does SEND Mean?
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
A child or young person may have SEND if they need extra support to learn, communicate, develop skills or take part in everyday activities.
This may be because of:
- Learning difficulties.
- Physical disabilities.
- Communication needs.
- Speech and language difficulties.
- Sensory needs, such as hearing or vision impairment.
- Autism.
- Social, emotional or mental health needs.
- Medical needs.
Every child is different and support should be tailored to their individual needs.
Children with SEND and Safeguarding
Children with SEND have the same right to feel safe, happy and protected as any other child.
Some children with SEND may be more vulnerable because they can:
- Find it harder to communicate worries.
- Depend more on adults for care and support.
- Find it difficult to recognise unsafe situations.
- Experience bullying or social isolation.
- Be more vulnerable to online harm or exploitation.
Parents and carers know their children best and should always share concerns if something does not feel right.
What Support is Available?
Most children with SEND are supported through their school or nursery.
Support might include:
In School or Nursery
- Extra help in lessons.
- Adapted teaching approaches.
- Small group support.
- Specialist equipment.
- Individual plans and targets.
Specialist Support
Some children may also receive support from:
- Speech and Language Therapy.
- Occupational Therapy.
- Educational Psychology.
- Mental Health Services.
- Specialist Teachers.
- Health Services.
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
Some children need more support than schools can normally provide.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes:
- A child’s needs.
- The support they require.
- Who will provide the support.
- What outcomes everyone is working towards.
An EHCP brings together education, health and social care services to make sure children get the right help.
How Do I Get Help for My Child?
If you think your child may need additional support:
Step 1
Speak to:
- Your child’s teacher.
- Nursery staff.
- Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).
They can discuss concerns and explain what support may be available.
Step 2
If your child’s needs are more complex, you may be able to request an:
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
This assessment helps the council decide whether an EHCP is required.
Request an assessment:
What is the South Tyneside Local Offer?
The South Tyneside Local Offer brings together information about services available to children and young people with SEND and their families.
You can find information about:
- Education support.
- Health services.
- Social care.
- Activities and clubs.
- Preparing for adulthood.
- Advice and guidance for families.
Visit the Local Offer:
Support for Parents and Carers
SENDIASS
SENDIASS provides free, confidential and impartial advice for parents, carers, children and young people.
They can help you understand:
- SEND support.
- Education services.
- EHCP processes.
- Your rights.
- Meetings and decision making
Telephone: 0191 424 6345
Email: sendiass@southtyneside.gov.uk
Parent Carer Forum
The Parent Carer Forum helps parents and carers:
- Share experiences.
- Influence local services.
- Work with education, health and social care providers.
- Improve support for families.
Listening to Children and Young People
Children and young people should be involved in decisions that affect them.
Professionals should:
- Listen to their views.
- Help them understand what is happening.
- Take account of their wishes and feelings.
- Provide information in a way they can understand.
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children express their views.
Useful Resources
- South Tyneside SEND Local Offer
- Government Guide for Parents and Carers about SEND
- Request an EHCP Assessment
Worried About a Child?
If you are worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing:
Children and Families Social Care
Telephone: 0191 424 5010
Out of Hours: 0191 456 2093
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Key Message
Children and young people with SEND have the same right to be safe, healthy and happy as every other child. If you are concerned about your child’s learning, development or wellbeing, help and support are available. Asking for support early can help children get the right help and achieve their full potential.