Early Years and Education

The Education and Skills Act means that young people must stay in education or training until they are 18 years old.

Most children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will have their educational needs met in one of Essex’s mainstream primary or secondary schools and academies. Some children with more complex needs will require a more specialised setting in one of the special schools in Essex.

SENCO

Every school is required to have a teacher who is responsible for SEND; usually referred to as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). They will work closely with parents, teachers, support staff and other agencies to ensure that the child’s needs are met through the right support and high quality teaching. To find out the name of the SENCO, contact the school.

SEN Information Report

Every school has to publish a SEN Information Report which includes detailed information on how they identify, assess and provide for pupils with SEN.

It must also include information about the arrangements for the admission of disabled pupils, facilities provided to assist access and the schools accessibility plan.

This SEN Information Report should be updated annually. There is guidance for finding a school’s SEND report on their website on the Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary Schools page.

Post 16

When a child finishes school, they may choose to continue their education at a college of Further Education or at university. In this section you will also find information from colleges and universities about how they support learners with additional needs.