The Special Educational Needs (SEN) service works with:
- families of children and young people
- schools
- other agencies
We aim to help children and young people with SEN get the most out of their education and maximise their achievements.
Who is the service for?
- Children and young people up to 25 years old with SEN and their families who live in Harrow
- Children with SEN who are looked after by Harrow Council
- Children and young people with SEN who cannot be reasonably provided for by their educational setting
What we do
- Carry out the statutory process for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment
- Monitor and review Education, Health and Care plans
- Authorise transport requests for children and young people with special education needs
What is an Education and Health Care (EHC) Needs Assessment?
Sometimes a child or young person needs specialist support that is not available within the educational setting. In such circumstances a request for an EHC needs assessment can be made. This assessment could lead to your child getting an EHC plan.
Very few children and young people require an EHC needs assessment as per the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015. This is a detailed assessment which looks at the needs of the child or young person in education, health and care.
What should I do if I think my child has special educational needs?
If your child is not at an education setting talk to your doctor or health and social care professional. They will give you advice about what to do.
If your child is at an education setting speak to their teacher, or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). They will explain how they are supporting your child.
Who can request an Education and Health Care (EHC) Needs Assessment?
- The child’s/young person’s parents
- A young person if over the age of 16 (or somebody on their behalf)
- A person acting on behalf of an early years setting, school, or post-16 institution. This should be with the knowledge and agreement of the parent or young person.
- Others who work with the pupil can also tell the local authority if they think an assessment is needed. This could be your doctor, health or social care professional.
To find out more about the service, view: