Special Needs

The term special educational needs can be defined as children having learning difficulties, or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These children may need extra or different help from that given to other children of the same age.

Children with special educational needs (SEN) may need extra help because of a range of needs, such as in thinking and understanding, physical or sensory difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, or difficulties with speech and languages or how they relate to and behave with other people.

Many children will have SEN of some kind at some time during their education. Schools and other organisations can help most children overcome the barriers their difficulties present quickly and easily. However, a few children will need extra help for some or all of their time in school.