Start here: find the right support

Introduction

If your child is finding school difficult, there is support available. Schools must identify and support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This page explains how support works and what you can do next.

What this might look like

You may have been told:

• Your child needs extra support
• Your child is not making expected progress
• The school is putting additional help in place
• You have concerns about how your child is coping

What schools should do

Schools must:

• Identify children with SEND
• Provide support tailored to their needs
• Review progress regularly
• Work with you as a parent or carer

Your next step

Find out how support works in school:

Link: Support in education 

How support is provided

Schools use a step-by-step approach to support children:

Link: How schools support children with SEND (Graduated approach)

Talk to your school

You can:

• Request a meeting with the class teacher or SENDCo
• Ask what support is in place
• Agree next steps together

If support is not enough

If your child needs more support than the school can provide:

Link: Do you need an EHCP?

Find extra support

You may also want help outside school:

Link: Directory of services

What most people do next

Most families at this stage:

• Speak to the school SENDCo
• Learn more about how support works
• Explore whether further assessment is needed