A special educational needs (SEN) support plan is used in mainstream schools. It will detail the needs of your child and the support they will be given. This can help them overcome barriers to learning. Just as importantly, it ensures they are happy at school.
What does an SEN support plan look like?
The first part is an overview of your child. You and your child will help complete this section. It is written from the perspective of your child, and includes:
- Things I want you to know about me
- My family say about me
- It helps me if you
- I find it hard when
The second page is about your child's specific needs, goals, and support. It looks at
- What I can do now (Assess)
- What I will be able to do (Plan)
- Who and what will help me (Do)
- How did I get on (Review)
This will be completed for each term in a school year.
You can click below to see a copy of our SEN support plan.
How is an SEN support plan made?
When creating an SEN support plan, a meeting will be arranged. This will likely be with your child's class teacher and the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). You and your child will be invited to share your views. It is important that your child is involved as much as possible.
There will be a friendly and open discussion about:
- your child's strengths
- your child's needs
- suitable goals for your child
- what support will be given
It should be reviewed with you three times a year. To ensure it is kept up to date, it will follow the assess, plan, do, review, cycle.
During a review, it may be decided to increase, keep or decrease support. If your child makes progress, the SEN support plan may no longer be needed.
How do I request an SEN support plan for my child?
Speak with either your child's class teacher or the school's SENCO.
Sometimes the class teacher will discuss this with you. They might have noticed your child struggling with learning. Or that they are making less progress despite support. They will discuss creating an SEN support plan for your child.
Please know that no formal diagnosis is required.
What if my child is still not making progress?
Sometimes progress is not made despite increasing support. Or their needs are more complex. Then an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be necessary.