SEND descriptors of need | Children and Families Newcastle

Introduction

The SEND descriptors of need or ranges have been developed:

to ensure a common language to describe the support expected for children with SEND
to provide a core framework for all practitioners working with children and young people to help assess and identify the needs of children and young people, and to put in place appropriate support
to give greater clarity for parents and carers about their child/young person’s needs and how their child should be supported at school.

More information

Descriptors of Need help SENCOs, families, and schools/services assess and identify a child's needs. This assessment guides the support needed for the child's progress, considering their strengths.

The starting point for understanding the needs of children and young people with SEND is the four areas outlined in the SEND Code of Practice (2015).

The Newcastle SEND Descriptors of Need were created with input from parents/carers and representatives from Education, Health, and Social Care during workshops in 2021 and 2022. You can view all the descriptors at the bottom of the page.

These descriptors are based on a set of foundational principles.