SEND Support
This page is designed to be a supportive resource, offering information and guidance to help you understand your child’s educational needs.
What is SEND?
In the UK, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) covers a broad range of needs and disabilities that can affect a child or young person’s ability to learn.
- Autism
- ADD / ADHD
- Dyslexia, discalculia, dyspraxia
- Speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN)
-
Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH)
Getting Support within your Child’s School
If you think your child may have special educational needs, contact the SEND co-ordinator, or ‘SENDCO’ in your child’s school. Your child may be eligible for personalised support within the school setting, such as an individual learning programme, extra help from a teacher or assistant, small group work etc.
Requesting an EHC Assessment
You can ask the local authority to carry out an EHC assessment (Education, Health and Care Plan) which will identify your child’s needs and outline the additional support required to support those needs. This request can be made by the parents, teachers, doctors and health visitors.
Charities and Additional Information
Here are a few of the main national charities offering support and guidance in the UK:
- National Autistic Society (includes a directory to help you find UK-wide or local organisations and services that are specifically for, or have adapted their services, to meet the needs of autistic people and/or their families.
- British Dyslexia Association (including diagnostic assessments for dyslexia and discalculia).
- Mind (for mental health support).
Private Diagnostic Assessments
For some families, getting a diagnostic assessment done privately can be an option. Head to our Partners page in which we share some suggestions.
How can a Tutor help my Child?
A tutor can help support a child who has SEND in many ways. Tutors can provide personalised learning that is tailored to the child’s needs and interests. They can help children build confidence and self-esteem. At Bright Light Education, we work only with qualified teachers. Many of these teachers have SEND experience and training. Contact us to find the right tutor for your child.
“It’s been amazing having you to help our son over the past couple of years. I think there are so many areas where you have made a massive difference …and also really boosted his confidence.
A huge thanks for all the very tailored work you’ve done regarding his dyslexia, all the extra reading etc and the really positive, fun ways you are always finding to make it all as enjoyable as possible.”
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