what does SEN mean?

SEN refers to students who have difficulties in learning that are beyond the scope of what a classroom teacher would usually assist them with. SEN can come in a variety of forms. Each child is unique, and he or she can fall into one or more of these categories. The four main categories are:

1. Communication and Interaction
2. Cognitive and Learning
3. Social, Mental and Emotional Health
4. Sensory and/or Physical Need

what traits might my child display if they fall into any the categories of SEN?

​Communication and Interaction:

• Difficulty in ignoring distractions
• May require prompts to stay on task
• Friendships may be fragile or may find social relationships and conversational norms difficult to maintain.
• Language processing difficulty
• Speech and Language- may require Speech Therapy

​
Cognition and Learning:

• Students may find it difficult to remember what they have learnt
• Memory and organisational skills
• Understanding of number and problem-solving
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Decision making and information processing​

(*Cognition - Thinking and Processing information)

Social, Mental and Emotional Health:

• Students may experience depression/ low self esteem
• Isolation
• Attention disorders
  
• Attachment disorders
• Issues with self image

Sensory and/ or Physical Need:

• Students have a medical need or genetic condition that will need extra support and a sensitive approach within the school

For example:
- Hearing Impairment (HI)
- Visual Impairment (VI)
- Physical needs and Disability (PD)
- Sensitivity to light, noise, food/ chemical allergies
- Self care and help with personal hygiene routines


Please Note BEHAVIOUR is not a category of SEN; Behavior is an outcome of an underlying condition or emotion. We have to look for a cause in order to respond effectively to any challenging behaviours.