Family Support Blog #25 – Supporting Children with SEND

Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

 

Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND support) is a crucial aspect of inclusive education and development. As we step into March, it is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and share resources that can benefit children with SEND and their families. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or caregiver, equipping yourself with knowledge and strategies can make a significant difference in a child’s journey.

Understanding SEND Support

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can affect a child or young person’s ability to learn. These needs may range from autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory impairments to physical disabilities and social-emotional difficulties. Each child is unique, and understanding their specific needs is the first step toward effective support. All children and young people are entitled to an appropriate education, one that is appropriate to their needs, promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential.

This should enable them to:

• Achieve their best

• Become confident individuals living fulfilling lives.

• Make a successful transition into adulthood whether into employment, further or higher education or training.

SEND covers a broad spectrum of needs, categorised into four key areas:

1. Cognition and Learning Needs – Support from learning difficulties may be required when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers, even with appropriate differentiation. Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication, through to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment. Specific learning difficulties (SpLD), affect one or more specific aspects of learning. This encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
2. Communication and Interaction Needs – Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives. Children and young people with ASD, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination, which can impact on how they relate to others.
3. Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) – Children and young people may experience a wide range of social and emotional difficulties which manifest themselves in many ways. These may include becoming withdrawn or isolated, as well as displaying challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviour. These behaviours may reflect underlying mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders or physical symptoms that are medically unexplained. Other children and young people may have disorders such as attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder or attachment disorder.
4. Sensory and Physical Needs – Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health.Some children and young people with a physical disability (PD) require additional ongoing support and equipment to access all the opportunities available to their peers.Some children and young people may have SEN that covers more than one of these areas.
   

   

   Practical Tips for Supporting Children with SEND

   1. Create a Structured Environment – Predictability and routine help children feel secure. Clearly defined schedules, visual timetables, and step-by-step instructions can aid comprehension. Providing a structured yet flexible learning environment allows children to develop at their own pace while minimizing anxiety.

   2. Encourage Open Communication – Build an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their needs and emotions. Using alternative communication methods such as visual aids, social stories, Makaton, or assistive communication devices can be beneficial for non-verbal or speech-delayed children.

   3. Adopt Personalised Learning Approaches – Every child learns differently. Adaptive teaching tailored teaching methods—such as using multisensory techniques, assistive technology, or hands-on activities—can improve engagement and retention. Schools should adopt Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) to provide tailored learning strategies.

   4. Promote Social Inclusion –  Encourage peer interactions and group activities that build friendship and understanding. Buddy systems, social stories, and structured play sessions can help children develop social skills and build confidence in social settings.

   5. Practice Patience and Positive Reinforcement – Children with SEND often require extra time to process information and complete tasks. Celebrate small achievements, provide clear and positive feedback, and use a reward-based system to boost confidence and motivation.

   6. Encourage Self-Advocacy – Empowering children to express their needs and preferences can boost independence and confidence. Teach them to communicate their challenges and advocate for adjustments that support their learning and well-being.

   7. Collaborate with Educators and Professionals – A strong partnership between parents, teachers, therapists, and support workers ensures that children receive consistent support across different environments. Attending SEND review meetings and staying informed about available school-based interventions can be invaluable.

   Resources and SEND Support Networks

   Supporting children with SEND involves accessing the right resources and connecting with support networks that offer guidance and assistance. Here are a few links –  Hertfordshire SEND local offer, SPACE, ADD-Vance and Potential kids

   

   Educational Support

   Every school is required to identify and address the SEN of the pupils that they support.

   Mainstream schools, must:

   • Use their best endeavours to make sure that a child with SEN gets the support they need – this means doing       everything they can to meet children and young people’s SEN.

   • Ensure that children and young people with SEN engage in the activities of the school alongside pupils who       do not have SEN.

   • Designate a teacher to be responsible for co-ordinating SEN provision – the SEN co-ordinator, or SENCO.

   • Inform parents when they are making special educational provision for a child.

   Online Platforms

   Websites such as the Hertfordshire Local, National Autistic Society, Dyslexia Action, and Scope offer valuable resources, guidance, and online communities for parents and caregivers. Contact us on our Facebook page to see what support we can offer www.facebook.com/chexs.co.uk

   

   Image credit to Monkey Business images

   Parent Support Groups

   Connecting with other parents through local or online support groups provides comfort, advice, and shared experiences. Many communities have SEND-specific parent groups that facilitate peer support and advocacy.

   Government and Charitable Organisations

   Many organisations provide funding, specialised equipment, and advocacy services to ensure children with SEND receive the necessary support. Local Authorities and charities such as IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) provide legal advice on education rights. SENDIASS is a free, impartial, and confidential service that offers information and support to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as to their parents and carers.

   CHEXS – Empowering Families and Children

   At CHEXS, we are dedicated to supporting families and children, including those with SEND. Our programs focus on building resilience, confidence, and skills in young people. Through mentoring, workshops, and family engagement initiatives, we empower children to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Explore our website to learn more about the services and support we provide.

   

   Image credit to Getty images

    

   Moving Forward Together

   Supporting children with SEND requires a collective effort from educators, parents, communities, and policymakers. By raising awareness and equipping ourselves with the right tools, we can create an inclusive environment where every child thrives. This March, take the time to learn, share, and advocate for the needs of children with SEND—because every child deserves an opportunity to succeed. If you or someone you know needs guidance, reach out to CHEXS or other SEND support organisations to make a meaningful impact in a child’s life.

   

   Image credit dmitrynaumov

   Join Our SEND Real Talk Session

   We will be holding a SEND Support Real Talk Session on 19th March from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm at Brookfield Tesco Community Room. Come meet us and speak to our SEND expert to gain insights, ask questions, and connect with others who share similar experiences. We look forward to seeing you there!