SEND glossary
Short explanations of the acronyms you'll see in SENguru and in letters from schools, local authorities and professionals.
Acronyms
- ADHD
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- ASC
- Autism Spectrum Condition
- CAMHS
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
- EBSA
- Emotionally Based School Avoidance
- EHC
- Education, Health and Care
- EHCP
- Education, Health and Care Plan
- IEP
- Individual Education Plan
- LA
- Local Authority
- SALT
- Speech and Language Therapist
- SEN
- Special Educational Needs
- SEND
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
A difference in how attention, impulse control and activity levels are regulated. It can be the basis for SEN support or for an EHCP where the child needs provision the school cannot make from its own resources.
A lifelong difference in how someone communicates, processes information and experiences the world. Schools and local authorities in England usually write ASC; you will also see ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, in clinical letters. Asperger's syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis — since 2013 it sits within the autism spectrum.
Also written ASD, Autism.
When a child finds going to school overwhelming, often because of anxiety rather than choice. Some services write EBNSA — Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance — to avoid implying it is a choice.
Also written EBNSA, EBSNA.
The council responsible for education where you live. It decides whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment, issues the EHCP, and must maintain and review it. Letters often just say "the council" or name the department, e.g. "SEND Services".
Also written Local Authority, Local Authorities.
People who may be involved
- EP
- Educational Psychologist
- OT
- Occupational Therapist
- PT
- Physiotherapist
- SENCO
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Assesses how a child learns, thinks and copes emotionally, and advises on the provision they need. Educational psychology advice is one of the reports the LA must seek during an EHC needs assessment. (SEND Regulations 2014 reg. 6)
Also written Ed psych.
Works on the practical skills of daily life — handwriting, dressing, using cutlery, coping with noise, light and touch — and recommends equipment or adjustments.
Works on movement, strength, balance and posture, and on equipment such as walking aids or seating. Usually written physiotherapist in England; US reports may say physical therapist.
The teacher responsible for coordinating SEN support in a school and usually your first point of contact there. Some schools write SENDCo.
Also written SENDCo.
The law
- CFA 2014
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Education Act 1996
- Education Act 1996
- FTT
- First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
- Mediation
- Mediation
- SEND CoP
- SEND Code of Practice (0 to 25)
- SEND Regulations 2014
- Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014
- Section 19
- Section 19, Education Act 1996
The Act that created the current EHCP system. Part 3 sets out the LA's duties to identify, assess and make provision for children and young people with SEND.
Older education legislation that still applies alongside the CFA 2014. Section 19, the duty to arrange suitable education for a child who is out of school, comes from this Act.
The independent tribunal that hears appeals against LA decisions — refusing to assess, refusing to issue an EHCP, the content of the plan, and the school named in it — and disability discrimination claims against schools. It is independent of the LA. (CFA 2014 s.51)
Also written Tribunal.
A voluntary meeting with an independent mediator to try to settle a disagreement with the LA without going to the Tribunal. Before registering most appeals you must contact a mediation adviser and get a mediation certificate, though you can decline the mediation itself; appeals only about the school named — or that none is named — do not need one. (CFA 2014 s.55; SEND CoP 11.13–11.14)
The statutory guidance that LAs, schools and health bodies must have regard to when they carry out their SEND duties. Where a letter cites a paragraph number like 9.53, it is citing this.
The regulations that put timescales and required content on the duties in the CFA 2014 — for example the 20-week limit for issuing a final EHCP, and what each section of the plan must contain.
The duty on the LA to arrange suitable education for a child of compulsory school age who would not otherwise receive it — because of illness, exclusion "or otherwise". It is what parents rely on when a child is out of school. (Education Act 1996 s.19)
Where to get help
- DfE
- Department for Education
- IPSEA
- Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
- SENDIAS
- SEND Information, Advice and Support Service
- SOS!SEN
- SOS!SEN
The government department responsible for education in England. It publishes the SEND Code of Practice and the statutory guidance schools and LAs follow.
A national charity giving free, legally based advice on SEND — including checking draft EHCPs and supporting parents through tribunal appeals.
The free, impartial advice service every LA area must provide for parents and young people on SEND matters, including help understanding letters and preparing for meetings. It is funded by the LA but gives advice independently.
Also written IASS, SENDIASS.
A national charity running a free helpline and advice clinics for parents navigating SEND, independent of any LA.
Missing a term? The SENguru chat can explain jargon in context. Just ask.