Frequently Asked SEND Questions

“What does SEN/SEND mean?”

SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities.

When we agree a child has SEND it means they need a level of support that is additional to or different from the majority of children to reach their potential.

This doesn’t always mean a diagnosable condition and nor does it mean these needs are life long.

"I think my child has SEND. What should I do?"

Discuss your concerns openly with your child’s class teacher and/or the SENDCo.

Together we will decide on an appropriate course of action.

"Who is the SENDCo and how can I contact them?"

The SENDCo at Great Moor Infant School is Miss Eve May.

You can contact her via email:

send@greatmoor-inf.stockport.sch.uk

eve.may@greatmoor-inf.stockport.sch.uk

"Who will write my child's SEN support plan?"

SEND support plans are written by class teachers and should include the voice of the parent/carer and the child.

"Does the SENDCo come to all the SEND reviews?"

The SENDCo does not typically come to SEND Person Centred Reviews but her attendance can be requested if it is felt additional knowledge and guidance is required.

The SENDCo often attends first SEND reviews in order to meet families and explain the SEN support processes in school.

The SENDCo might also attend SEND reviews if an application for an Education Health and Care Plan Needs Assessment is being considered in order to ensure a complete and robust graduated approach has taken place.

"Does my child need a diagnosis to get the support they need?"

In short, no!

The SEND process is all about understanding the unique profile of an individual.

We focus on identifying and nurturing their individual strengths and identifying and meeting their individual needs.

We gain this understanding by knowing the child, not their diagnosis.

"I think my child has a specific learning difficulty and I want them to be diagnosed. What should I do?"

First of all, discuss it openly with your child’s class teacher and the SENDCo.

Any decision to seek a diagnosis will be reached with you and only when we all agree it is in the best interests of the child.

Different conditions have different processes and referral criteria for diagnosis for example:

Autism- Currently the Stockport Autism referral criteria is that a child must have had 3 Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycles (see SEN Information report)

ADHD ADD- Currently a child must be at least 6.5 years old to be considered for ADHD diagnosis

Dyslexia- Currently dyslexia is not routinely diagnosed in Stockport; parents/carers would have to pay for this assessment. However we can identify “dyslexic traits” or “dyslexic characteristics” and offer appropriate support. The Inclusion Service can also support us in this.

"My child is having difficulties at home but not in school. What should I do?"

Talk to your child's class teacher and/or the SENDCo. We can signpost you to appropriate sources of support.

You can also see what help is available on the Parent/Carer Support section of our website...