What are the SEN Areas of Need?

The SEN Code of Practice 0-25 years, January 2015 outlines four broad areas of special educational need that include a range of difficulties and conditions:

• Communication and Interaction Needs
• Cognition and Learning Difficulties
• Social, Emotional and  Mental Health Needs
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

But while many children and young people have difficulties that fit clearly into one of these areas; some have needs that span two or more areas; for others the precise nature of their need may not be clear at the outset. Please see the details listed on the diagram below to identify which special needs are listed under which broad area of need.

At Hillside First School we provide our children with exciting and varied activities in order that they receive the highest quality education regardless of their differences (e.g. age, race, ethnic beliefs, special needs or disability).

We have hard working and caring teachers who are committed to the inclusion of those children recognised as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.  Activities and tasks that the children take part in are chosen carefully and tailored to fit individual children’s needs.

We identify pupils with specific difficulties through observing pupil performance and behaviour as well as through formal testing and SATs.  The class teacher writes ‘Individual Support Plans’ and reviews progress with the parents on a termly basis.  Through quality first teaching and appropriate differentiation, children with particular strengths and talents are challenged.