Recognising and supporting children with SEN

“Children with special educational needs (SEN) have the right to be educated alongside others and the right not to be at a disadvantage because of their needs when accessing services. With the right support and well-planned provision, children with SEN can thrive and achieve their full potential. In this short course you will explore the topic of special educational needs within a childcare setting. Learn more about Down’s syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Condition as examples of common learning disabilities creating special educational needs, as well as the key legislation governing practice in this area. Discuss the role of the setting SENCO and how you too can understand, support and provide for individual children with SEN in your care.

This course is intended for practitioners working in a range of childcare settings.

Learning outcomes

• You will learn that various pieces of legislation provide legal rights for disabled children and give responsibilities to providers of services for children and young people
• You will learn about ‘child- and young person-led’ models of delivery where the service is influenced by the people using it
• You will learn that, as with all children, observation is a key starting point in making an assessment of children’s needs, learning, and development

Advantages of this course

• It is only relatively recently that special needs and disability has been seen as an equal opportunities and inclusion issue. Practitioners need to be aware of and implement the requirements of the many pieces of legislation which have been enacted within the last 30 years.
• This course offers information and links to the various pieces of legislation which provide legal rights for disabled people, and to the current SEND Code of Practice
• You will also have access to invaluable information for those dealing with some of the most frequently encountered special educational needs
• Additional activities encourage you to reflect on your learning
• There is also suggested extended reading that gives both practical information and links to websites to expand knowledge”