07 FEBRUARY 2025
SEN policies support pupils who need additional help with their learning. These policies ensure every child and young person gets the education they deserve, even if they face barriers to learning, such as learning difficulties, special educational needs, or disabilities.
3 minute read
What do SEN policies do?
SEN policies explain how schools identify pupils who need extra support, how they provide that support, and how they regularly track each student’s progress. The goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.
What are the key things SENCOs need to know about SEN policies?
As the SENCO, it’s important to understand the legal frameworks, how to identify and assess needs, and what training the school team should undertake to support learners best.
Spotting and assessing needs
During a typical school assessment, teachers will observe pupils, speak with their parents or carers, and sometimes involve other professionals such as a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or psychologist. Working holistically helps create a clear picture of a child’s needs, making it easier to develop a support plan.
What does a support plan look like?
Once schools identify a child’s needs, they often create a plan specifically for them. This could be an Individualised Education Plan (IEP), which sets out learning goals and explains the type of support the student will receive. The school, particularly the SENCO, may also support the child in obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Both plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they fully support the young person.
Focusing on inclusion in the classroom
One of the key goals of SEN policies is to ensure SEN learners are included in regular classroom environments wherever possible. For example, teachers should adapt lessons to suit pupils with additional learning needs, or put special tools in place to help these students learn alongside their peers.
Working with your pupils’ parents, carers and families
Involving parents and carers in their child’s education is important. SEN policies encourage regular communication and meetings to ensure families are part of decisions about the support their child receives, and to keep them up to date on anything that concerns their child.
Utilising training and additional resources for staff
To make SEN policies work, schools need to train teachers and staff on how to support pupils with additional learning needs. Schools often invest in resources like learning aids, assistive technology, or equipment to help pupils thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Legal guidance
In many countries, laws guide SEN policies. For example, in the UK, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice explain how schools should help students with special needs.
Why are SEN policies so important?
SEN policies are key to ensuring all students, regardless of their challenges, have a chance to succeed in school. They promote fairness, equality, and inclusion. By working together—schools, families, and governments—these policies help create a better education system for everyone.
Looking for more SEN advice and support?
Explore our library of free resources.