Learning

Special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion

Summary: A guide to special educational needs, assessments, statements and inclusion, for parents of blind and partially sighted children of all ages.

• Special educational needs contents
• Inclusion in mainstream schools

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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.

Special educational needs contents

• Does my child have special educational needs?
• Assessing your child's needs
• How schools support children with SEN
• Statements and 14 to 19 year olds

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.

• Inclusion

Content author: children@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 08/08/2008 17:59