Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (also called SEN, SENI or Spec Ed) is the term used to describe a range of services that support kids with disabilities in school. It’s not a one-size fits all approach — it’s tailored to each kid. Kids who get Spec Ed have an Individualized Education Program (also called IEP) that describes their unique strengths and challenges and what they need to learn. This may include a variety of adaptations or accommodations, like changes in the curriculum or specialized physical aids and equipment. Read more https://specialeducationalneedsanddisabilities.co.uk/

There are four main areas of SEN, although some children have more than one type of need. They are:

Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Best Practices for Teaching SEND Students

Intellectual and Developmental Disability means significantly below-average general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behaviour that adversely affect the child’s academic performance. This includes Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourettes and Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties mean problems with regulating emotions, challenging behaviours or having difficulty making or keeping friends. They may also have communication and interaction challenges such as speech and language difficulties or sensory avoiding or seeking behaviours.

Schools have a legal obligation to provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, which is often referred to as inclusion. This includes a range of educational settings from full integration in neighbourhood schools to special schools.