Special educational needs (SEN) are factors which prevent a child from learning as much as they are capable of, or in the same way as other children.
In Scotland, the term "additional support needs" (ASN) is used.
Almost all blind and partially sighted children have SEN or ASN, but not always to a great extent. Nearly half of children who have sight problems have complex needs.
Any extra support your child gets at school should be based on their individual needs. Having an assessment and getting a statement of SEN can help to make sure this happens.
Inclusion in mainstream schools
Children with sight problems should be allowed to join in as fully as possible, if they attend a mainstream school.
Local Authorities are required to consider the way the curriculum, teaching, funding and the school premises themselves meet the needs of all children, including those with sight problems and other disabilities.
Needs can be met in mainstream schools or in special schools. The decision about where a child is placed will need to be made specifically relating to the individual child. More details about choosing the right setting are in our
school options section.
Needs can be met in mainstream schools or in special schools. The decision about where a child is placed will need to be made specifically relating to the individual child. More details about choosing the right setting are in our section.
In this section, we look at:
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what is meant by SEN in the context of children who are blind or partially sighted.
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who and what should be involved in assessing your child's needs
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how schools support children with SEN
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statementing and 14 to 19 year olds
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inclusion.