SEND: Glossary of Terms

SEND Glossary:

The following is a guide to the language and terms used in the Special Educational Needs and Disability sector: 

ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder - A term used for people who have difficulties with concentration, without the presence of other symptoms.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - A behavioural disorder which includes symptoms such as impulsiveness, inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder - A group of developmental disabilities which can cause social, communication or behavioural challenges. 

CAMHS

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - The term for the services which support young people with emotional or behavioural challenges.

EHCP

Education, Health and Care Plan - Outlines any educational needs that a child may have and the provisions put in place to help them by the local authority.

EWO

Education Welfare Officer - A person who works with schools and families to ensure that every child is receiving a suitable, full-time education. 

HI

Hearing Impaired or Hearing Impairment - The partial or total inability to hear. 

IEP

Individual Education Plan - A school-based document which records, tracks and reviews the support received by a young person with SEND. 

LDD

Learning Difficulties and Disabilities - Difficulties in acquiring knowledge or skills, largely due to a physical or mental disability. 

MLD

Moderate Learning Difficulties - Children who have cognitive ability and attainment levels significantly lower than that of their peers. 

PEP

Personal Education Plan - Records how looked-after children are supported in their educational outcomes and achievements. 

PMLD

Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties - Young people who may have complex learning needs alongside other physical disabilities or impairments. 

SEMH

Social, Emotional and Mental Health - Children who may have difficulties in managing their behaviour or emotions, often feeling scared or misunderstood.

SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - The term for children who have a learning difficulty and/or a disability, and therefore need extra support.

SENCo

Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator - The teacher who is responsible for this area within a school. 

SLCN

Speech, Language and Communication Needs - A language impairment or secondary communication difficulty resulting from another condition. 

SLD

Severe Learning Difficulties - Learning disabilities which refer to ongoing problems in one of three areas: reading, writing or mathematics. 

SpLD

Specific Learning Difficulties - An umbrella term used to cover a range of difficulties including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. 

VI

Visually Impaired or Visual Impairment - A child who cannot see at all or has partial vision loss.

Useful Website:

SEND Local Offer Website

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