Descriptors of Need
This document should be used in conjunction with the Descriptors of Need (DoN).
The DoN document was coproduced with parent/carers and representatives from Education, Health and Social Care at a series of workshops held in 2021 and 2022. A range of principles were identified which provide the foundations of the Newcastle Descriptors of Need.
The SEND Descriptors of Need or ranges have been developed:
- to ensure a common language to describe the support expected for children/young people with SEND
- to provide a core framework for all practitioners working with children/young people
- to help assess and identify the needs of children/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/young person should be supported at school.
Descriptors of Need at various levels or ranges can be a useful tool for SENCOs, families and schools/services to assess and identify the needs of a child/young person. This assessment can provide information about what support to put in place to support the child/young person’s progress. It is important to consider a child/young person’s needs within the context of their strengths
By using the DoN, we can promote:
- openness and transparency
- a highly skilled workforce
- inclusion
- early intervention
- getting the right support at the right time
- use of positive language
- equity
- person centred planning
- consistency
- Quality First Teaching
- partnership working
- voice of the child and family being at the centre of all planning
- early preparation for adulthood