Definitions

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

A

Action

When a school identifies a child has a learning difficulty and provides additional support and strategies to meet that child’s needs. This can be support with an IEP (Individual Education Plan)

Action Plus

When a school identifies a child has a learning difficulty and advice or support is provided by outside specialists or professionals

D

Disability Act/Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 aims to protect disabled people and prevent disability discrimination. It provides legal rights for disabled people in the areas of: employment, education services and transport services, buying and renting land or property.

E

Education Act

Is the basic piece of legislation regarding education in England and Wales outlining the entitlements of education for children and young people.

It was last updated in 2002

I

Individual Education Plan

A plan written by teachers and SENCOs, outlining the how a child’s needs are being met and targets for them to work towards.

P

Person Centered Approaches

Person Centered Approaches (PCA) is a set of approaches designed to assist someone to plan their life, to enable individuals with disabilities or SEN to increase their personal self-determination and improve their own independence. It puts the Individual at the centre of every decision made.

Person Centered Plan

A Person-Centered Plan (PCP) offers a platform for the person and their trusted friends/family members or paid staff to identify and express what can or will be provided by the service system.

Person Centered Review

A person centred review uses person centred thinking tools to explore what is happening from the person and other people’s perspectives, and to agree actions for change. A true person centred review will ensure that the person is at hand to voice and make decisions that affect the outcome of the review. It will generate actions based on past and future needs.

Person Centered Thinking Tools

Person Centred Thinking Tools are ways that people can listen and learn about what really matters to people, and to create actions together to make sure these things become part of their lives. They are flexible tools that can be used in many different situations and support to make improved decisions.

Portage

A home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs and their families.

R

Residential school

A boarding school that is just for children with statements of SEN.

S

SENCO - Special Education Needs Co-coordinator

A dedicated member of staff in a school or an early years setting who coordinates special educational needs support and services.

Short breaks

While children are given opportunities to become more independent, have fun, enjoy new experiences, and form friendships with their peers; their families are able to take time out.

There are a range of short breaks, including daytime, evening, weekend and overnight activities. They can take place in the child's own home, a family based setting, a residential, educational or community setting, or in their local environment.

A short break can last from just a few hours to a few days or longer. The activities can include sporting activities, play schemes, pre-school groups, youth clubs, residential homes, nurseries, the arts or dance. Short breaks can also include activities where someone other than a parent or carer accompanies a disabled young person for informal leisure activities - for example to go swimming; to go to the cinema; to watch a football match; to play on his/her computer at home or to have a sleep over with a friend.

Statement

A document that sets out a child’s needs and all the extra help they should get and are entitled to.

T

Tribunal

Independent people that hear appeals against decisions made by Local Authorities, on statutory assessments and statements.