Special educational needs (SEN) is a legal term. A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which means that they need special educational provision.

Special educational provision is different from what is usually available to pupils of the same age.

Having a learning difficulty or disability means that a pupil has greater difficulty in learning than most pupils of the same age, or a disability which makes it more difficult for them to use the school facilities. For example, they may have problems with:

1. Specific areas of learning, like reading, writing or number work
2. Expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
3. Making friends or relating to adults
4. Managing their emotions or behaviour
5. Problems with seeing, hearing, or moving around
6. Medical conditions that impact on learning
7. Mental health difficulties, e.g. anxiety or depression

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