Schools have a responsibility to make provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN).
We provide funding through normal school budgets to help schools to support pupils with special educational needs.
We have produced The Derbyshire Descriptors of SEN Provision.
The descriptors offer guidance and advice to primary and secondary schools about the level and type of support they should provide for pupils with additional needs.
They are used by us to monitor provision for pupils with special educational needs without a statement.
They outline how schools should:
- assess, plan and review provision
- arrange teaching groups
- adjust the curriculum and teaching methods
- provide resources, such as access to additional support from a teaching assistant for up to 3 hours per week for pupils at School Action or up to 8 hours a week for pupils at School Action Plus
Problems a child may have
A child may:
- have difficulties with co-ordination and mobility
- use specialist aids relating to their disability
- need equipment to enhance their access to the curriculum
- require adult help with practical or self care tasks
- require help with changing for physical education (PE)
- need supervision for safety reasons when moving around at busy times or in PE lesson
- become tired and find it hard to concentrate
- tend to give up easily if they find the school day hard to cope with
- need support and encouragement with self-esteem and social relationships
Actions the school can take
Schools can:
- identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses
- make sure your child is included in all school activities
- make reasonable adaptations to the classroom and school environment to maximise access
- provide individual and small group support, for example in PE and practical subjects
- involve specialist educational and health services as required
- carry out regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes under the guidance of health professionals
- provide access to specialist equipment and learning materials
- involve you and your child in educational planning and review
- support your child in developing independence
Professional help
Schools have access to a range of professionals who advise on arrangements for supporting pupils with a physical impairment. These include:
Your GP can make a referral for physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
You or your child’s teacher (with your permission) can ask a speech and language therapist to see your child.
If your child has other difficulties as well as physical impairment, all schools have access to county services which can offer support and advice for pupils with:
Your GP can advise on child and adolescent mental health services and voluntary services such as Barnardo's.
Other advice
We have published comprehensive files of advice and information on speech and language difficulties, dyslexia and autism.
Contact us
Buxton office, tel: 01629 533535
Chesterfield office, tel: 01246 204851
Denby office, tel: 01629 533815
County Hall, tel: 01629 536850
The full version of the SEN Descriptors is available in every school.