SEN - (Special educational needs)
What are special educational needs?
In every class at school there will be children who may, at some time in their school life, have special educational needs (SEN) and who may require extra or different help.
Special educational needs may mean that a child has difficulties with:
- reading, writing, number work or understanding information
- expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
- making friends or relating to adults
- understanding and following rules and routines
- organising themselves
- a medical condition which impedes learning
- some kind of sensory or physical need which may affect them in school
Many children will have special educational needs at some time during their education. For most children this will be a short-term need that can be met through the expertise and resources of the school or with advice and support from outside professionals.
A very few children and young people, with severe or complex special educational needs, may need more help in school than can be provided from the school’s own, delegated resources. In these cases, the Local Authority will consider a Statutory Assessment to decide whether a Statement of Special Educational Needs is required.
Contact the SEN Performance Team
The SEN Performance Team in Barnet Council is responsible for managing the support for SEN children this includes:
- conducting Statutory Assessments
- maintaining Statements of Special Educational Needs
- identifying school placements for children with Statements
- we also consider home-school transport provision for these children where necessary.
If you need any more information regarding provision for special educational needs in Barnet, please contact the SEN Section on 020 8359 7710/7726/7693/7687 and speak to the relevant Pupil and Parent Officer.
Children, young people and families
