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: