Quick Overview
Special Educational Needs (SEN) are learning difficulties or disabilities that require extra support in education. London provides various services and programs to help children with SEN thrive in mainstream or specialist settings. Knowing these basics helps parents, schools, and professionals work together to provide the right support for every child. This guide will walk you through:
✅ What SEN includes—communication, learning, social, emotional, and physical needs—and the legal protections in England
✅ How mainstream schools support SEN through a four-step cycle: Assess, Plan, Do, Review, plus Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for complex needs
✅ Specialist schools, key therapies (speech, occupational, mental health), and family support services available in London
✅ Post-16 transition options and how to access local information through the borough’s Local Offer
Special Educational Needs (SEN) refer to learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for children to learn than their peers. In a city as diverse and densely populated as London, addressing the unique needs of children and young people with SEN is critical to creating an inclusive education system. Whether a child needs help with reading, communication, physical mobility, or managing their emotions, London offers a wide range of services and programs to support them at every stage of their educational journey.
This guide explores what SEN means, how the support system works in London, and the key programs and services available to children, parents, and schools.
What Are Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision. This includes difficulties with:
- Communication and interaction (e.g., speech and language issues, autism)
- Cognition and learning (e.g., dyslexia, general learning difficulties)
- Social, emotional, and mental health (e.g., ADHD, anxiety)
- Sensory and/or physical needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments)
SEN can be mild, moderate, or complex and can affect one or multiple areas of a child’s development.
Legal Framework and Rights in the UK
In England, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice set out the legal duties of schools and local authorities regarding SEN.
Key principles include:
- Early identification of needs
- Involving children and families in decisions
- Collaboration between education, health, and social care
- High-quality teaching that is adapted to meet individual needs
Every London borough must publish a Local Offer, outlining the support and services available for children and young people with SEN and disabilities.
SEN Support in Mainstream Schools
Most children with SEN are supported in mainstream schools through SEN Support. This is a graduated approach based on a four-stage cycle:
- Assess – the child’s needs are identified
- Plan – support is planned with input from teachers and parents
- Do – support is delivered and monitored
- Review – progress is evaluated and adjustments are made
Schools must have a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) responsible for overseeing support and liaising with external services.
Common interventions include:
- One-to-one teaching assistants
- Differentiated learning resources
- Speech and language support
- Behaviour management strategies
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
For children with more complex needs, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be required. This is a legal document that outlines the child’s needs, the support they need, and the desired outcomes.
EHCPs cover:
- Educational support
- Health needs (e.g., therapy, nursing care)
- Social care needs (e.g., respite services)
In London, EHCPs are coordinated by the local authority and require input from schools, health professionals, and social services. Parents or schools can request an EHCP assessment.
Specialist SEN Schools and Resource Bases in London
While many children with SEN thrive in mainstream settings, others may benefit from attending a specialist school or resourced provision unit.
Types of specialist settings:
- Special schools for autism, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments
- Mainstream schools with resource bases (e.g., for speech and language needs)
- Hospital schools for children receiving long-term treatment
London is home to several outstanding specialist schools such as:
- The Bridge School (Islington)
- Swiss Cottage School (Camden)
- TreeHouse School (North London, autism-focused)
Key SEN Services in London
Several public and voluntary services work together to support children with SEN across the capital:
📌 Educational Psychology Services
Provide assessments and advice on learning difficulties and behaviour.
📌 Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)
Support children with communication, speech, and feeding issues.
📌 Occupational Therapy (OT)
Help children with motor skills, sensory processing, and independence.
📌 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Support children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
📌 Sensory Support Services
Specialists in visual or hearing impairments provide training and equipment.
These services are often arranged through the school or local council and may be part of a child’s EHCP.
Parent and Family Support Programs
Navigating the SEN system can be complex, but there is help available for families:
👨👩👧👦 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services
Every London borough has a SENDIASS team offering impartial advice.
🧩 Support Groups and Charities
- Contact – supports families with disabled children
- IPSEA – legal support on education rights
- Local parent carer forums
These organisations help with EHCP applications, school placements, appeals, and understanding your child’s rights.
Post-16 and Transition Services
Support doesn’t stop at age 16. London offers a variety of post-16 options for young people with SEN:
- Further education colleges with SEN departments
- Supported internships and apprenticeships
- Independent living and life skills programs
- Transition planning in EHCPs (from age 14 onward)
The aim is to prepare young people for adulthood, whether that means employment, further learning, or independent living.
Accessing the Local Offer
Each London borough publishes a Local Offer online. This includes:
- Information about schools, support services, and eligibility
- Guidance on how to apply for EHCPs or specialist schools
- Contact details for local SEND teams and support groups
Final Thoughts
London is rich in resources and services for children with Special Educational Needs, but accessing the right support requires knowledge, advocacy, and persistence. Whether your child needs extra help in the classroom or more complex multi-agency support, understanding how the system works—and what’s available in your area—is the first step toward making sure they thrive.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- SEN support in London is coordinated through schools and local authorities
- EHCPs provide tailored, legally binding support for more complex needs
- London has a range of specialist schools, therapies, and family services
- Each borough offers a Local Offer with detailed information and support
- Parents are never alone—support groups and advocacy organisations are here to help
Empowered with the right knowledge, you can ensure your child receives the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed. 🌈📚👩🏫