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This website is only one part of the Local Offer. We also have a directory listing SEND-specific services. Visit our directory at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Understanding SEND Support in Schools (Overview)

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Introduction

This page explains processes and terms used in supporting SEND in education settings. SEND is a shorter term for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

There are laws in place that expect all mainstream schools to identify and support children with SEND.

All support for SEND in schools is defined by:

Each child is unique, so their support may vary in type and level to other children and young people with SEND. The support offered will often change through different stages of their education.

There is no one size fits all approach. Parents, carers, schools, and any relevant professionals will work together to find a package of support for the child or young person.

If you are new to SEND, it might be useful to visit our page:

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Who Supports SEND in Schools

Every school in East Sussex will provide inclusive high-quality teaching and learning. This is sometimes called Quality-First Teaching. Every teacher is trained to identify and address SEND as part of their class teaching.

Teachers receive support in each school by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Every school has a SENCo and their job is to:

Schools may also have some staff members, such as teaching assistants, who are there to support the class teacher and/or the SENCo. They will also be able to support the learning needs of individuals or groups.

Education East Sussex and Health Services will also support schools where necessary:

The Universally Available Provision (UAP) describes support available in education settings to all children, including those with SEND. It also covers expectations and strategies for the broad areas of needs. These areas are:

Find out more on our Universally Available Provision (UAP) web page.

To learn more about specific conditions and East Sussex support, visit this websites' page on Conditions, Assessments and Diagnosis.

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Levels of Support / Need

All schools offer SEND support. The tailor the level of support to the individual needs of a child or young person. 

A child or young person might need lots of support in one area while requiring less in another. The level of support a child requires can change through the different stages of their education. 

We describe the levels of support in East Sussex as:

The Graduated Approach (Assess, Plan, Do Review)

The Graduated Approach determines what level of support a child or young person needs. This approach is often called Assess, Plan, Do, Review, for simplicity.

When your child has SEND, the school should set out a written plan. This will explain how they will look after your child, and how they will support their learning. This is the case whatever age your child is. Other names for the plan include:

Ask your child’s school what they call theirs.

All Additional Needs Plans in East Sussex should follow the same process and steps.

Find out more by visiting our page on The Graduated Approach.

Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

When a child or young person has higher levels of need their support is usually co-ordinated via an EHCP.

An EHCP is a legal document which describes:

An EHCP offers more involved and higher level support than an Additional Needs Plan.

You can find out more information by visiting this websites pages on Education, Health and Care Plans.

Higher levels of support will include the involvement of support services. This includes services from Education East Sussex or the NHS.

Additional Help and Support

Time-limited Inclusion Grant (TIG)

TIG helps schools fund short-term intervention that:

You can learn more on the Czone website:

Amaze SENDIASS

Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:

Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.

East Sussex Local Offer directory of services

You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. Services cover many topics, including:

Visit the East Sussex Local Offer directory.

NHS - Health A to Z

The East Sussex Local Offer aims to provide as much information as possible. There may be some conditions that aren't covered in thorough detail. The NHS website has pages that list all conditions. These pages provide information and advice on how to get extra support:

Visit the NHS Health A to Z web page.

Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms

We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.

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