Many children face challenges in their lives and at school. Where these challenges affect their learning they are described as having special educational needs. For some children these needs will be short-lived, and after a time of support their needs have been met. For other children these needs may be  longer term, and they may require support throughout their entire time at school and possibly beyond.

School follows a process called "the Graduated Response". This essentially means that when a need is identified in a child, school will work with the child and parents to put the correct amount of support in place for the child. This is reviewed at regular intervals (usually termly) and appropriate changes made depending on whether the support is working or not.

In Nottinghamshire, SEN processes happen whether a a child has a diagnosis or not. Our focus is all around the needs of the child and how best we can help them. An official diagnosis can help to identify what actions will support the child best, but is not needed. Some children may have a diagnosis, but not need additional support in school, whereas other children need lots of support, but don't have a diagnosis.

Children who require lots of additional support in the classroom are described as being on the SEN register - their support is documented in termly review meetings with parents. Children who have a little bit of support, or fewer needs, are described as being "vulnerable to SEN" - their support is not documented in detail, and discussions with parents are more informal.

In all cases, their class teacher has the accountability for their teaching and support, and should be your main contact in school.