Cheat sheet: SEND terminology

Drowning in acronyms? Use this guide to get a grasp on some of the language that shapes the education of diverse learners (spoiler alert: SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

Accessibility
Ensuring that environments, materials, and technologies are designed in a way that allows equal access for individuals with disabilities.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Area SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
A teacher or staff member responsible for coordinating and overseeing the provision of support for students with SEND within a school.

Autism
A developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour, presenting a spectrum of challenges and strengths.

C&L (Cognition and Learning)
A category within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) that focuses on the intellectual and cognitive aspects of a child’s development and learning.

Differentiation
Adapting teaching methods, materials, and assessments to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students with SEND.

Dyslexia
A learning disorder that affects reading, spelling, and writing, often characterised by difficulties with phonological processing.

EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan)
A legal document in the UK that outlines the specific educational, health, and social care needs of a child with SEND and the support they should receive.

EHCNA (Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment)
A formal and detailed assessment carried out by the local authority in the UK. It’s part of the process to determine whether a child or young person requires an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 is a comprehensive piece of legislation in the UK that aims to promote equal opportunities and prohibit discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in various contexts, including employment, education, and the provision of goods and services.

Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
As on-departmental public body in the UK. It was established by the Equality Act 2006 and became operational in October 2007. The EHRC plays a central role in promoting and safeguarding equality and human rights across the country.

GDD (Global Developmental Delay)
A term used to describe a condition in which a child does not reach developmental milestones at the expected times in various areas of growth and development.

HI (Hearing Impairment)
Also known as hearing loss, this refers to a partial or total inability to hear sounds. It can affect one or both ears and may range from mild to profound.

IEP (Individual Education Plan)
A personalised plan designed to meet the unique educational needs of a student with SEND, often including specific goals and strategies.

Inclusion
The practice of educating all students, including those with SEND, in mainstream schools or classrooms, providing them with equal opportunities.

LSA (Learning Support Assistant)
Also known as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Classroom Assistant, an LSA is an education professional who provides support to teachers and students in educational settings.

MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties)
A term used in the field of education to describe a specific category of Special Educational Needs (SEN) where individuals experience challenges in learning that are more significant than those typically encountered by their peers.

Neurodiversity
The idea that neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, are natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders that need to be fixed.

OT (Occupational Therapy)
Therapy that helps individuals develop, improve, or regain daily living skills and enhance participation in activities.

PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities)
A condition where individuals have severe learning disabilities along with other significant physical and sensory impairments.

Physical Therapy
A form of therapy that focuses on improving mobility, strength, and function through exercises, manual techniques, and other interventions.

Provision Map
Also known as an Provision Mapping, this is a strategic tool used in education to plan, organise, and monitor the provision of additional support or interventions for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or specific learning needs.

PSP (Pastoral Support Plan)
A personalised plan developed to provide additional support and guidance to students facing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges. It’s aimed at promoting the well-being of students by addressing their non-academic needs.

SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health)
A term that refers to a category of needs that encompass a range of social, emotional, and mental health difficulties that some children and young people may experience.

SEN Code of Practice
A government document providing guidance for local authorities, schools, and other institutions on how to identify, assess, and support children with special educational needs.

SEN Support (Special Educational Needs Support)
The additional help and interventions provided to children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within mainstream educational settings.

SEN Tribunal
A legal body in the UK where parents can appeal decisions about their child's special educational needs provision if an agreement cannot be reached with the local authority.

SEN (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
An acronym used to collectively refer to the range of special educational needs and disabilities that children may have.

SENAR (Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review)
A formal process conducted to assess and review the educational needs of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SENCo/SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)
A professional in an educational setting who is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the provision of support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

SI (Sensory Impairment)
A condition in which one or more of a person's senses are affected, leading to difficulties in perceiving and processing sensory information. The senses that can be impaired include sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

SLCN (Speech, Language, and Communication Needs)
An umbrella term that encompasses a range of difficulties and disorders related to speech, language, and communication.

SLD (Severe Learning Difficulty)
A term used in the field of special education to describe significant challenges in learning that may require specialised support and interventions.

Special school
Also known as a special education school, this is an educational institution designed to provide specialised instruction and support to students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Speech and Language Therapy
Professional support for individuals with difficulties in communication, speech, language, and social interaction.

VI (Visual Impairment)
A condition where an individual has significant visual limitations, ranging from partial sight to total blindness.

Which terms are we missing? Let us know at hello@hibi.health.