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Helping you understand the meaning of acronyms and terms frequently used in relation to Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in Torbay. Please either scroll down this page or use the shortcut alphabet below to search this webpage.

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

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) – Covers a huge range of techniques which support or replace spoken communication. These include gesture, signing, symbols, word boards, communication boards and books, as well as Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs).

AP (Alternative Provision) – Education arranged by local authorities for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education; education arranged by schools for pupils on a fixed period exclusion; and pupils being directed by schools to off-site provision to improve their behaviour.

Academy – A state-funded school in England that is directly funded by the Department for Education, through the Education Funding Agency. Academies are self-governing and independent of local authority control.

Access arrangements – special arrangements that can be applied for and allow candidates with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access public examinations. 

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) – A diagnosable disorder for people who have excessive difficulties with concentration without the presence of other ADHD symptoms such as excessive impulsiveness or hyperactivity.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – A diagnosable disorder for people who have a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – NHS

ADHD-PI (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – Predominantly Inattentive) – also sometimes refered to as ADHD-I

Advocacy – Getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and to help to make sure your voice is heard. Under the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities must ensure that advocacy is provided for young people undergoing transition assessments providing certain conditions are met under the Care Act 2014.

AEN (Additional Educational Needs) – This refers to various groups of children and young people who for a variety of reasons may face additional barriers to education and learning.

ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – Significant impairment related to avoidant and restrictive food intake, often related to anxiety.

ALFI (Activity Led Funding for Inclusion) – Additional funding that can be applied for by Early Years education providers (School-based nurseries, PVI (Private, Voluntary and Independent) settings and Childminders) to deliver support for individual children with identified Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). 

APA (Alternative Provision Academy) – A school that teaches children who aren’t able to attend school and may not otherwise receive suitable education. This could be because they have a short- or long-term illness, have been excluded or are a new starter waiting for a mainstream school place (formerly known as Pupil Referral Units (PRU’s)).

APDR (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) – the four cyclical stages of the graduated response as described in the SEND Code of Practice.

Appendices – Subsidiary information used to create a book or document. The information contained in the appendices to an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) are the reports completed by everyone during an EHC needs assessment or amendment to an EHCP.

  • Appendix F – Advice from Child or Young Person
  • Appendix A – Advice from Parents
  • Appendix B – Advice from School
  • Appendix C – Advice from Health (including paediatrician, OT, Physio,  Bladder & Bowel, CAMHS, etc. as required)
  • Appendix D – Advice from Educational Phycologist
  • Appendix E – Advice from Social Care
  • Appendix G – Advice from Anyone else
  • Appendix H – Additional information used to amend an EHCP

Appointee – A named person who can act on behalf of someone who is entitled to benefits (the claimant) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

AR (Annual Review) – Under the Children and Families Act 2014 local authorities must carry out a review of every EHC plan at least once every 12 months. An interim review will be held every six months for children in early years.

Areas of needs – The SEND Code of Practice identifies the following four broad categories used to describe a pupil’s SEND:

  • Communication and Interaction (C&I)
  • Cognition and Learning (C&L)
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
  • Sensory and Physical

ARE (Age Related Expectation) – Standards based upon national average of what children should have learned, or be able to do, at a specified age, year group or end of Key stage.

ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) Terms used interchangeably for ASD to name a range of similar diagnosable disorders, including Asperger syndrome, that affect a person’s social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.

ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) – Terms used interchangeably for ASC to name a range of similar diagnosable disorders, including Asperger syndrome, that affect a person’s social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.

ATR (Access to Resources) – A multi-agency panel used by Torbay Local Authority in relation to Social Care packages of support to individual children and young people.

Audiologist – Health professional who specialises in identifying and treating hearing and related balance disorders.

AWPU (Age Weighted Pupil Unit) – The amount of money that every maintained school receives for each pupil that is on the school roll, whether or not they have SEN. The value of the AWPU varies from one local authority to another and according to the age of the pupils.

B

BESD (Behavioural, Emotional and Social Development) – Old category of area of needs within the SEN Code of Practice 2001 replaced by Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) by the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.

BME (Black, Minority Ethnic) – A term used to describe people from minority groups, particularly those who are viewed as having suffered racism or are in the minority because of their skin colour and/or ethnicity.

BSL (British Sign Language) – A form of sign language that is used in Britain and involves the use of hand movements, gestures, body language and facial expressions to communicate.

BSP (Behaviour Support Plan) – A school-based document designed to assist individual students who have experienced harm, are at risk of harm, or have caused harm to others.

BVPS (British Picture Vocabulary Scale) – An assessment test frequently used by Educational Psychologists. This test assesses children’s receptive vocabulary by choosing a picture that best illustrates a spoken word and is a good measure of general cognitive ability within language processing tasks because vocabulary acquisition is an important facet of intelligence.

C

C&FA 2014 (Children and Families Act 2014) – Part 3 of the Act sets out the new law on special educational needs and disability. The Act is supported by the SEND Regulations 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 Years. Children and Families Act 2014

CA 2004 (Children Act 2004) – The basis for most official administration considered helpful to children, notably bringing all local government functions of children’s welfare and education under the statutory authority of local Directors of Children’s Services. Children Act 2004

CAF (Common Application Form) – A form used when applying for school places via the Local Authority

CAF (Common Assessment Framework) – A non-statutory method of assessment which can be used by social services, health or education.

CAFCASS (Child and Family Court Advisory Service) – A non-departmental public body for England and Wales that assists courts regarding family legal proceedings. 

Care Act 2014 – The national eligibility criteria that provides a set a minimum threshold for adult care and support and carer support for carers of adults. All local authorities must at a minimum meet need at this level. Care Act 2014

Carer – A general term for anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. However, for the purpose of the SEND Code of Practice, a carer is a person named by a local authority to care for a child for whom the social services department has a parental responsibility.

Care Experienced – A child under local authority care if he or she has been provided with accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, in the circumstances set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Children Act 1989 or placed under local authority care by virtue of an order made under part IV of the Act.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – Health services that assess, treat and work with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural or mental health wellbeing.

CAT (Cognitive Ability Test) – Test used to establish learning baselines at the beginning of Secondary Education.

CC (Continuing Care (Child Health)) – Support provided for children and young people under 18 who need a tailored package of care because of their disability, an accident or illness.

CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) – Old terminology for groups of professionals that work together to commission health services, ensuring there is sufficient capacity contracted to deliver the necessary health services for people locally, now replaced by Integrated Care Board (ICB).

CDC (Child Development Centre) – A Multi-disciplinary Health Team assessment centre for young children.

CETR (Care, Education & Treatment Review) – a review for children or young people with a learning disability, autism or both; who are at risk of admission to/or who is already in a specialist learning disability or mental health hospital.

CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) otherwise known as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) – a long-term condition with a wide range of symptoms including extreme tiredness.

CHC (Continuing Healthcare (Adult Health)) – A package of care that is arranged and funded solely by the NHS for individuals aged 18 and over who are not in hospital but have complex ongoing healthcare needs. It can be provided in any setting, for example in the home or in a residential care home. NHS continuing healthcare – Social care and support guide – NHS

CiC (Children in Care) Old terminology for a child under local authority care if he or she has been provided with accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, in the circumstances set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Children Act 1989 or placed under local authority care by virtue of an order made under part IV of the Act. Previously also known as Looked After Children (LAC) or Children Looked After (CLA), now replaced by Care Experienced.

CIN (Child in Need) – Children who are aged under 18 and:

  • need local authority services to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development
  • need local authority services to prevent significant or further harm to health or development
  • are disabled

CLA (Children Looked After) – Old terminology for a child under local authority care if he or she has been provided with accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, in the circumstances set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Children Act 1989 or placed under local authority care by virtue of an order made under part IV of the Act. Previously also known as Children in Care (CiC) or Looked After Children (LAC), now replaced by Care Experienced.  

Cognitive Ability – A term often used by psychologists instead of intelligence to describe thinking and reasoning abilities.

Comprehension – Understanding of spoken or written material or practical situations.

Compulsory School Age – otherwise known as Statutory School Age. Age 5 – 16.

CoP (SEND Code of Practice) – A guide to schools and local education authorities about the help to be given to children with special educational needs. Schools and local authorities must have regard to the Code when working with a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The most recent version is 2015 SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf.

Co-production – an approach to decision-making and service design where service providers and users work together in equal partnership to reach a collective outcome.

Corporate Parent – Collective responsibility of the council, elected members, employees, and partner agencies, for providing the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are Care Experienced.

CP (Clinical Psychologist) – A mental health professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. 

CP (Child Protection) – Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

CPP / CP Plan (Child Protection Plan) – A plan put in place by the Local Authority when a child is deemed to be at significant risk of harm. 

CPOMS (Child Protection Online Management System) – a recording system originally designed for child protection records, but used by some schools for recording behaviour, parental communication, outside agency contact as well as safeguarding concerns.

CQC (Care Quality Commission) – the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

CSDPA 1970 (Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970) – Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 

  • Section 1 gives Local Authorities a duty to publish information and inform individuals of their entitlement to relevant services.
  • Section 2 gives Local Authorities a duty to assist disabled people (as defined by Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948) with:
    • Practical assistance in the home;
    • Provision (or assistance to obtain) radio, TV, library or other recreational services;
    • Provision of lectures, games, outings, recreational or educational activities outside the home;
    • Provision of services or assistance in obtaining travel to and from the home to participate in any of the activities mentioned;
    • Assistance in arranging adaptations or provision of additional facilities to promote “safety, comfort or convenience”;
    • Provision of meals in the home or elsewhere;
    • Assistance in obtaining a phone and any special equipment necessary to use it.
    • Any social care provision that is provided under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act 1970 must be included in Section H1 of an Education Health and Care plan.

CSW (Community Support Worker) – A person who provides social care who is not a qualified social worker.

CTR (Care and Treatment Review) – a review for adults with a learning disability, autism or both; who are at risk of admission to/or who is already in a specialist learning disability or mental health hospital.

CYP (Children and Young People) – Age 0-18

D

DAMP (Deficits in Attention, Motor control and Perception) – A diagnostic term that describes children with a combination of motor control, perceptual and attention problems.

DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) – Process for checking the criminal record of someone applying for a role. Enhanced DBS checks are conducted to ensure that individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children or adults with disabilities, are suitable for these roles. A DBS check reveals any criminal history, helping to protect schools and other organisations from hiring individuals who may pose a risk.

DCD (Developmental Co-ordination Disorder) otherwise known as Dyspraxia – a diagnosable condition affecting physical coordination which presents as those affected performing less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move clumsily. It can also affect fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects.

DCO (Designated Clinical Officer) – Supports the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) in meeting its statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEN and disabilities, alongside the Designated Medical Officer (DMO), primarily by providing a point of contact for local partners, when notifying parents and local authorities about children and young people they believe have, or may have, SEN or a disability, and when seeking advice on SEN or disabilities.

Deferred Entry – Ther term used for children that start school later in the academic year or at the start of the following academic year. There is an automatic right for children who are age 4, to defer starting school until the beginning of the term after their 5th birthday, which is statutory school age. 

Delayed Entry – The term used for children that start school a year behind their chronological age group. There is no right to delayed entry but parents may a request for delayed entry to the school’s admission authority. Schools are unable to hold a place for your child from the previous year. Agreement for delayed entry only applies to the particular school named within the request.

DToCs (Delayed Transfers of Care) – sometimes inaccurately referred to as ‘bed-blocking’,
occurs when a patient is ready to leave hospital to go home or to another care setting but is still occupying a hospital bed.

DfE (Department for Education) – Central government department responsible for education. 

DFG (Disabled Facilities Grant) – Grant for adapting or providing facilities for a disabled person in a dwelling.

DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) – A ministerial department, supported by a number of agencies and partner organisations that act as guardians of the health and care framework: make sure the legislative, financial, administrative and policy frameworks are fit for purpose and work together.

Differentiation – Adapting lessons or the learning environment to meet student interests and address distinct learning needs.

Disability – A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Equality Act 2010 Section 6(1)

Disability Discrimination – Treating a person less favourably or putting them at a disadvantage due to thier disability. Disability discrimination includes direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Disapplication – Removing a programme of study, attainment target, assessment or any other component of the National Curriculum, or any combination of these including entire subjects or the entire National Curriculum.

DLA (Disability Living Allowance) – A non means tested benefit for disabled children under the age of 16 who have difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability to help with the extra costs incurred in looking after the child.

DMO (Designated Medical Officer) – Supports the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in meeting its statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEN and disabilities, alongside the Designated Clinical Officer (DCO), primarily by providing a point of contact for local partners, when notifying parents and local authorities about children and young people they believe have, or may have, SEND, and when seeking advice on SEND.

DoH (Department of Health) – Central government Department responsible for health.

DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) – Legal standards that ensure that people who can’t
consent to their own care arrangements in a care home or hospital are protected if those arrangements deprive them of their liberty.

Draw and Talk – An intervention consisting of a serial drawing technique, where the child or young person draws with a familiar adult on a weekly basis. The adult uses non-intrusive questions to encourage the child to talk about their drawings. It is a safe, primarily non-directive, easy to learn method of working with children and young people on a one to one basis.

DP (Direct Payment) – A payment made directly to a parent or young person to purchase specific services. Direct Payment may be made as part of a Personal Budget so that the parent or young person can buy certain services that are specified in their EHCP. Direct payments can only be used for provision provided on the school or college premises if the school or college agree. Direct payments may also be available from Health and/or social care for specified services.

DR (Disagreement Resolution) – A quick and non-adversarial way of resolving disagreements. N.B. Local authorities must provide independent disagreement resolution services to help parents and young people resolve disputes with local authorities, schools and other settings about SEND duties and provision

DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) – An allowance for undergraduate or postgraduate students who have a disability or long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia or dyspraxia which affects their ability to study. It can be used to pay for things such as special equipment, a note-taker or transport costs.

DSCO (Designated Social Care Officer) – Supports colleagues in children’s social care to ensure they meet their statutory duties for children and young people with SEND aged 0-25, leading to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

DSG (Dedicated school’s grant) – money from central government that local authorities receive each year to fund schools. The DSG is split into four blocks of funding:

  • Early years block
  • Schools block
  • High needs block
  • Central block

The DSG is allocated to schools using a national formula, based on the characteristics of the pupils attending each school.

DSR (Dynamic Support Register) – system for identification of adults, children and young people with increasing and/or complex health and care needs who may require extra support, care and treatment in the community as a safe and effective alternative to admission to a mental health hospital.

E

EA 2010 (Equality Act 2010) – Sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone and protects people from discrimination in school, the workplace and in wider society. Also known as EQA. Equality Act 2010

EAL (English as an Additional Language) – A pupil whose first language is other than English.

EBD (Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) – Old terminology related to the old category of area of needs (Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties, BESD) which has now been replaced by Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) by the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015.

EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) – A term used in reference to a group of children and young people who have difficulty in attending school due to emotional factors, sometimes resulting in prolonged absences from school.​

EFA (Education Funding Agency) – A government agency that manages funds for education for learners between the ages of 3 and 19, and those with learning difficulties and disabilities between the ages of 3 and 25. The EFA:

  • allocates funds to local authorities, which then provide the funding for maintained schools
  • directly funds academies and free schools.

EHCNA / EHC needs assessment (Education, Health and Care needs assessment) also referred to as an RSA (Request for Statutory Assessment) – A detailed statutory assessment looking at the special educational needs that the child or young person has and what help he or she may need in order to learn. Local authorities must carry out an EHC needs assessment if a child or young person may need an EHCP. The assessment process should be carried out in a ‘timely’ manner and it should not take longer than 20 weeks to issue an EHCP if required.

EHCNMB (Education, Health and Care Needs Management Board) – A multi-agency Board that is used by Torbay Local Authority for consultative purposes to support Local Authority decisions in relation to EHC needs assessments and EHCPs.

EHCP / EHC plan (Education, Health and Care plan) – A legal document, defined by section 37 (2) of the Children and Families Act 2014, written by the local authority that describes the special educational, health and care needs of a child or young person and the help that they will be given to meet those identified needs that are over and above ordinarily available support.

EOLC (End of Life Care) – treatment, care and support for people who are thought to be in the last year of life which aims to help them to live as comfortably as possible in the time they have left.

ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) – a teaching assistants who has received specialist training to be able to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. 

Engagement Model – The engagement model is the assessment (replacing P scales 1 to 4) for pupils working below the standard of national curriculum assessments and not engaged in subject-specific study.

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) – Hospital specialist department concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the head and neck, including particularly the ears, nose, and throat.

EOTAS / EOTIS (Education Other Than At/In School) – Education provided by a local authority other than at a school, for example for children who are too ill or otherwise unable to attend school.

EP (Educational Psychologist) – Specialist professionals who assess how children develop and learn and provide advice to schools, parent/carers and other relevant educational professionals and settings.

EQA 2010 (Equality Act 2010) – Sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone and protects people from discrimination in school, the workplace and in wider society. Also known as EA. Equality Act 2010

ERP (Enhanced Resource Provision) – an additionally resourced base within a mainstream school that specialises in a specific area of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

ESO (Education Supervision Order) – This is an order that LAs, under section 36 of the Children Act 1989, can apply for to put a child of statutory school age who is not being properly educated under the supervision of the LA, with the intention of ensuring he or she receives efficient full-time education suited to his or her age, aptitude, ability and any special educational needs, and that sufficient support, advice and guidance are provided to the parents.

EWO (Educational Welfare Officer) – Deals with school attendance and makes sure that children are getting the education they need.

Expressive Language – How a child or young person expresses ideas, thoughts and feelings through speech.

EY (Early Years) – children under age 5

EYAT (Early Years Advisory Teacher) – A specialist teacher employed by the LA who provides specialist support for pre-schools and early years settings with meeting the needs of young children (under 5) who have any barriers to learning.

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) – A set of standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. 

F

FASD (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder) – A condition caused by consuming alcohol during pregnancy, resulting in abnormal brain development before birth.

FE (Further Education) – Education that occurs following compulsory post-16 secondary education, which is usually distinct from that offered in universities (higher education). It includes many different levels and is usually taught in the sixth-form college part of a school or in independent FE colleges, as well as in other work-based, adult and community learning institutions. Further education programs will usually go up to Level 3 (e.g. Advances Apprenticeships or A Levels) and are often designed to provide the skills to advance to Higher Education (HE).

Free School – a type of academy, which is free to attend, but is not controlled by the local
authority. Free schools receive state funding via the Education & Skills Funding Agency.

Fine Motor Skills – Small movements of the body for example, using fingers to pick up small items, holding a pencil or doing up zips and buttons.

FIS (Family Information Service) – A service that provides a wide range of information about the key services in the local area that parents and children use so that all families can to benefit from the range of services available locally and know what is on offer.

FOI (Freedom of Information) – The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information (eg. policies, procedures and statistics) held by public authorities upon request. It does not give people access to their own personal data (information about themselves). For personal data requests please see SAR.

FSM (Free School Meals) – a statutory benefit available to school-aged children from families who receive other qualifying benefits and who have been through the relevant registration process.

FSW (Family support worker) – Offers both practical and emotional assistance on a short- or long-term basis to families experiencing hardship, either at home or in the community. They are often employed or working alongside Local Authorities, social services departments or within charitable organisations.

FTT (First Tier Tribunal) – Independent legal body that is a part of the court system of the United Kingdom. The First Tier Tribunal has 7 Chambers which settle legal disputes and are structured around particular areas of law. This includes the First Tier Tribunal (SEN and Disability) which is part of the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber.

FTT (SEND) (First Tier Tribunal (SEN and Disability)) – First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) – GOV.UK Hears appeals lodged by parents/carers of children or young people with SEND or young people with SEND against:

  • SEND decisions made by the Local Authority (LA) about EHC needs assessments and EHCPs.
  • unlawful disability discrimination in education and other relevant services

G

Gait – The way in which a child walks.

GDD (Global / General Developmental Delay) – A general delay in acquiring normal developmental milestones.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – A law that tells an organisation how they should gather, use, and manage personal data collected about a person.

GP (General Practitioner) – A doctor based in the community who treats patients with minor or chronic illnesses and refers those with serious conditions to a hospital.

Graduated Approach – A model of action and intervention in early education settings, schools and colleges to help children and young people who have special educational needs. The SEND Code of Practice says that schools should follow a graduated approach when providing SEND Support. This is based on a cycle of: Assess – Plan – Do – Review

Gross Motor Skills – Whole body actions for example, playing games, swimming or riding a bicycle.

H

HE (Higher Education) – Education at universities or similar educational establishments, especially to degree level.

Healthwatch – an independent consumer champion, gathering and representing the views of the public about health and social care services in England.

HI (Hearing Impaired) – With a degree of hearing loss.

HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) – A person with relevant experience and qualifications able to have an increased level of responsibility within a school.

HT (Head teacher) – The teacher in charge of a school.

HV (Health Visitor) – Qualified and registered nurses or midwives who have additional training and qualifications and mainly work with children under 5 and their parents/carers.

HWB (Health and Wellbeing Board) – A forum where local commissioners across the NHS, social care and public health work together to improve the health and wellbeing of their local population and reduce health inequalities in a more joined-up way.

Hyperactivity – Difficulty in concentrating or sitting still for any length of time. Restless, fidgety behaviour, also a child may have sleeping difficulties.

I

IASS (Information, Advice and Support Services) – Services that provide neutral and factual support on the special educational needs system to help the children, their parents and young people to play an active and informed role in their education and care.

IBP (Individual Behaviour Plan) – A school-based document designed to assist individual students who have experienced harm, are at risk of harm, or have caused harm to others.

ICB (Integrated Care Board) A statutory NHS organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. The establishment of ICBs resulted in clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) being closed down.

ICP (Integrated care partnership) – A statutory committee jointly formed between the NHS integrated care board and all upper-tier local authorities that fall within the ICS area. The ICP will bring together a broad alliance of partners concerned with improving the care, health and wellbeing of the population, with membership determined locally. The ICP is responsible for producing an integrated care strategy on how to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the population in the ICS area.

ICT (Information Communication Technology) – i.e., computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information.

ICS (Integrated Care System) – A partnership of organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up health and care services, and to improve the lives of people who live and work in their area.

IEP (Individual Education Plan) – A school-based document used for children with SEND that describes short term provision to meet measurable outcomes. This was a requirement for children with a Statement of SEN under the old law but is not a specific requirement in the Children and Families Act. Schools must now follow the Graduated approach and share short term provision to meet measurable outcomes with parents, but it does not need to be called an IEP.

Independent School – A school that is not maintained by a local authority or an academy. These schools can be mainstream, also called non-maintained, fee-paying or private schools.

INMSS (Independent and Non Maintained Special School) – A special school that is not maintained by a local authority or an academy. Some Independent special schools are approved by the Secretary of State under section 41 of the Children and Families Act (CFA) 2014 (Independent special schools and post-16 institutions – GOV.UK), meaning that parents can request for them to be named on an EHCP, and others are not section 41 approved, meaning that parents can only make representations for them to be named on an EHCP only if the school has already said they can meet the child’s needs and are offering a place.

ILDP    Individual Learning and Development Plan – An Early Year’s education-based document used for children with SEND that describes short term provision to meet measurable outcomes.

IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) – an advocate appointed by the local authority and/or NHS body, who has been specially trained to support and protect the interests of people who are not able to make certain important decisions themselves and, at the time such decisions need to be made, have no one else (other than paid staff) to support them or be consulted.

INSET (In Service Education and Training) – Relevant courses and activities in which a serving teacher may participate to upgrade their professional knowledge, skills, and competence.

Integrated Care – coordinated health and social care that is planned and organised around the
needs and preferences of the individual, their carer and family.

Intervention – An activity which targets an area of support for your child. It might be something they do independently, individually with an adult or in a small group. Interventions should be recorded and monitored by the SENDCo via a provision map. Commonly used interventions include activities such as Circle of Friends, Draw and Talk, Think Good, Feel Good, Talk Boost, Lego Therapy. For further information on types of interventions and training available to support delivery of interventions please see Torbay’s Educational Psychology & Specialist Teaching Service (TEPATS) brochure

IPOP (Independent Placement Outcome Panel) – A multi-agency panel used by Torbay Local Authority in relation to educational or social care high cost placements.

IS (Independent Supporter) – A person recruited by a voluntary or community sector organisation to help families going through an EHC needs assessment and the process of developing an EHCP. This person is independent of the local authority and will receive training, including legal training, to enable him or her to provide this support.

ISEP (Independent Special Educational Provision) – Any special provision that is not a maintained special school or special academy. This includes INMSS (Independent and Non Maintained Special Schools).

IYSS (Integrated Youth Support Service) – A service that works with:

  • Care Experienced Children and Care Leavers from 15 to 21 years or up to 25 years if in full time education to prepare for independence.
  • Young people involved with youth justice services including both pre-court and court interventions to reduce crime in the community.
  • Young people who have been referred for additional support by the Early Help Service so that we can respond early to identified difficulties.

J

Joint Commissioning – When two or more agencies work together to commission services for agreed purposes, usually including the pooling of financial resources.

JPU (John Park’s Unit) – The location of Torbay Hospitals Child Development Centre (CDC).

JR (Judicial Review) – a type of court proceeding where a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body. They are a challenge to the way in which a decision has been made, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion reached, which may mean the public body would be able to make the same decision again, so long as it does so in a lawful way.

JSNA (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) – A Document that looks at the current and future health and care needs of local populations to inform and guide the planning and commissioning of health, well-being, and social care services within a local authority area. The JSNA informs the development of a local area Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This strategy sets out how the local area will address identified health needs, reduce health inequalities, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the local population.

K

KS (Key Stage) – Set phases of education:

  • KS 1 – Primary (Infants) – Year groups 1, 2, 3 – Children aged 5 – 7
  • KS 2 – Primary (Juniors) – Year groups 4, 5, 6 – Children aged 8 – 11
  • KS 3 – Secondary – Year groups 7, 8, 9 – Children aged 12 -14
  • KS 4 – Secondary – Year groups 10, 11 – Children aged 15 – 16
  • KS5 – Secondary (6th form) – Year groups 12, 13 – Children aged 17 – 18

KW (Keyworker) – Someone who provides children, young people and parents with a single point of contact to help make sure the support they receive is co-ordinated. A keyworker could be provided directly by a local authority or local health organization, a school or college, or form a voluntary or private sector body.

L

LA / LAs (Local Authority / Authorities) – Administrative offices that provide services within their local areas.

LAC (Looked After Children) – Old terminology for a child under local authority care if he or she has been provided with accommodation for a continuous period of more than 24 hours, in the circumstances set out in sections 20 and 21 of the Children Act 1989 or placed under local authority care by virtue of an order made under part IV of the Act. Previously also known as Children in Care (CiC) or Children Looked After (CLA), now replaced by Care Experienced. 

LDA (Learning Difficulties Assessment) – Old terminology for a learning difficulty assessment for post 16 young people under section 139A Learning and Skills Act 2000 – now covered as part of an EHC needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014.

LEA (Local Education Authority) – Old terminology now replaced by LA as education and social care functions are no longer referred to separately.

Learning Difficulty – Legally defined as “a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age” Children and Families Act 2014 Section 20(2)(a).

Learning Difficulties – A term used within education for children and young people who have levels of educational abilities which are significantly lower than children of a similar age. Types of learning difficulty are usually identified by an Educational Psychologist via assessment and can be SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties); MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties); SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties / Disabilities); PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties) or Other (learning difficulties that do not fall neatly into any of these categories). A learning difficulty is not the same thing as a learning disability. 

LD (Learning Disability) – A term used by health professionals for people with a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life. A learning difficulty is not the same thing as a learning disability. Types of learning disabilities are usually identified by health professionals and can be: Mild Learning Disability (usually IQ of 50 to 70 – people who have slower than typical development in all areas, but are able to learn practical life skills); Moderate Learning Disability (usually IQ of 35 to 49 – people who have noticeable developmental delays and may have physical signs of impairment); Severe Learning Disability (usually IQ of 20 to 34 – people who have considerable developmental delays and little ability to communicate) or Profound Learning Disability (usually IQ of less than 20 – people who have significant developmental delays in all areas and are not capable of independent living).

LDAP – Learning Disability and Autism Programme.

LDD (Learning Disabilities and Difficulties) – A reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life. 

Lego Therapy – An intervention that consists of collaborative play therapy in which children work
together within designated roles to build Lego models to promote development of their social and communication skills. It can be used in individual and group therapies, during which natural opportunities are used to practice social communication, social support, social problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

LGA (Local Government Association) – national body that works with councils to support, promote and improve local government.

LGO (Local Government Ombudsman) shortened acronym of LGSCO – see LGSCO

LGSCO (Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman) – An independent body that deals with claims of ‘maladministration leading to injustice’ in relation to Local Authority decisions and processes. The LGSCO can recommend a range of remedies, including compensation, asking the LA to look at a decision again, or suggesting a change in policy. To raise a complaint to the LGSCO parents or young people must usually have been through all stages of their LA’s complaints procedure first.

Literacy Skills – Reading, writing and spelling ability.

LO (Local Offer) – All Local Authorities (LAs) are required by the Children & Families Act to publish a Local Offer. The Local Offer must set out information about all provision the LA expect to be available to children with SEN and disabilities in their area.

LSA (Learning Support Assistant) – Non-teaching support staff who work with children with special educational needs in the classroom.

M

Makaton – A simple communication system using signs. A language programme designed to provide a means of communication to children and young people who cannot communicate efficiently by speaking.

Mainstream School – A primary or secondary maintained school or academy which is not a special school. Mainstream schools provide education for all children, whether or not they have special educational needs or disabilities. They are not selective and will not require students to pay fees.

MAT (Multi Academy Trust) – A single entity established to undertake a strategic collaboration to improve and maintain high educational standards across a number of schools. A group of schools form a single MAT which has overarching responsibility for their governance.

Maintained school – Schools in England that are maintained by a local authority – any community, foundation or voluntary school, community special or foundation special school.

Managed move – A voluntary agreement between a school, parents/carers and a pupil, to change school under controlled circumstances. Often used as an alternative to permanent exclusion.

MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) – A forum that considers all referrals and provides consistent, timely and co-ordinated multi-agency response to individual situations relating to welfare and safeguarding concerns to children and young people.

MCA (Mental Capacity Assessment) – an evaluation carried out to determine whether a person has the mental capacity to make a specific decision at a particular time.

MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) – A group of healthcare professionals from various disciplines working together to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex health needs.

MDVI (Multiple Disabilities and Visual Impairment) – More than one diagnosis, in this case, a visual impairment and at least two other conditions.

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) otherwise known as CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) – a long-term condition with a wide range of symptoms including extreme tiredness.

Mediation – Mediation is a way of sorting out a disagreement in a safe and friendly environment. It can help rebuild trust and working relationships. Mediation uses a neutral person (the mediator) who is experienced at helping people who disagree to come to an agreement. N.B. Local authorities must provide mediation service which is completely neutral and independent of schools and the local authority. The purpose of this requirement is to help settle disagreements between parents or young people and local authorities over EHC needs assessments and plans and ensure that parents can obtain the prerequisite mediation certificates that allow them to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal.

MERs (Mood, Emotions and Relationships) – Pathway services that helps children and young people in Devon (including Torbay but excluding Plymouth) with moderate to severe mood disorders causing high distress, and affecting many areas of daily life (Previously known as CAMHS).

MHST (Mental Health Support Team) – an NHS service commissioned to work with a number of schools across Devon and Torbay and in the community that offers early intervention to help children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties) – Attainments well below expected levels in all or most areas of the curriculum, despite appropriate interventions.

Motability – A scheme to rent a vehicle using eligible DLA or PIP payments to cover the costs.

MSI (Multi-Sensory Impairment) – Impairments with both sight and hearing

MTA (Mealtime assistant) – Support staff who work with children with special educational needs in school during lunch time.

MTS (Medical Tuition Service) – A service that provide education to children and young people who are unable to maintain an educational programme at school due a diagnosed medical condition that continues to make access to an educational setting too challenging.

N

Named Officer – The LA SEND Officer who liaises with parents and co-ordinates an education, health and care assessment and final plan.

NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) – This term is applied to young people aged 16-24 who are not involved in education, employment or training.

Neurodiversity – The different way brains work the way information is processed. Most commonly used term when describing neurodivergence characteristic in conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Classic Tic Disorders, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Intellectual Disability and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

NHS (National Health Service) – Publicly funded national healthcare system for England

Non-Verbal Skills – Skills which do not require spoken or written language, but use other ways to communicate, e.g. gesture, facial expression.

O

OAP (Ordinarily Available Provision) – The support and educational resources that are typically available in a mainstream educational setting or school for children with special educational needs. In Torbay the following Graduated Response toolkits have been developed to describe OAP and ensure all partners work together to get the “right support in the right place at the right time” by the right people for every child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) – A mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Overview – Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – NHS

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) – A childhood disorder that is defined by a pattern of hostile, disobedient, and defiant behaviours directed at adults or other authority figures.

OfSTED (Office for Standards in Education) – A non-Ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England.

Ophthalmologist – Medically trained doctor with specialist skills in the diagnoses and treatment of diseases of the eye.

Orthotist – Healthcare professional who assesses individuals for and designs specialist braces, splints and footwear.

Orthoptist – Healthcare professional who investigates, diagnoses and treats sight related problems and abnormalities of eye movement and eye position.

OT (Occupational Therapy/Therapist) – A specialised professional who assess how to maximise and maintain individual independence in everyday living skills. They can advise on aids, equipment or home/school adaptations.to communicate.

Outcome – The benefit or difference made to a child or young person as a result of an intervention. It should be personal and not expressed from a service perspective; it should be something that those involved have control and influence over, and while it does not always have to be formal or accredited, it should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound (SMART). When an outcome is focused on education or training, it will describe what the expected benefit will be to the child or young person as a result of the educational or training intervention provided.

Outreach Services – Support services provided to schools or pupils by specialist professionals, for example, providing support for communication or behaviour difficulties.

P

Paediatrician – A doctor who specialises in the care of children and the diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) – Confidential Advice and Support on Health related matters and complaints.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman – An independent body that investigate complaints about UK government departments, other public organisations and the NHS in England. To raise a complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman parents or young people must usually have been through all stages of NHS complaints procedures first.

PCF (Parent Carer Forum) – A voluntary representative group of parents and carers of disabled children who work with local authorities, education, health and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children and families.

PCP (Person Centred Planning) – A set of approaches designed to assist a child or young person to plan their life and supports. It is used most often as a life planning model to enable children or young people with disabilities or otherwise requiring support to increase their personal self-determination and improve their own independence.

PEx (Permanent Exclusion) – The most serious sanction a school can give if a child does something that is against the school’s behaviour policy (the school rules). It means that the child is no longer allowed to attend the school and their name will be removed from the school roll and they will never be able to return to that school.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) – A profile that describes those whose main characteristic is to avoid everyday demands and expectations to an extreme extent, often related to Autism.

PD (Physical Disability / Difficulties) – A limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other facets of daily living, such as respiratory disorders, blindness, epilepsy and sleep disorders.

PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) – A group of disorders characterised by delays in the development of socialisation and communication skills. Symptoms may be observable as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before three years of age.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) – A form of alternative and augmentative communication based on the idea that children who can’t talk or write can be taught to communicate using pictures. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

PEP (Personal Education Plan) – An element of a Care Plan maintained by a local authority in respect of a looked after child, which sets out the education needs of the child. If a looked after child has an EHC plan, the regular reviews of the EHC plan should, where possible, coincide with reviews of the Personal Education Plan.

Personal Budget – An identified amount of funding that the Local Authority (LA) allocates in order to secure particular provision that is specified, or proposed to be specified, in the Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. In some cases this may be given to parents or young people in the form of a direct payment.

PfA (Preparing for Adulthood) – A national programme funded by the DfE that advocates partnership working with children, young people and their families at the centre, across Education, Health and Care in a way that supports young people and their families to be part of their communities and to lead fulfilled and fulfilling lives.

PHB (Personal Health Budgets) – An amount of money to support identified health and wellbeing needs, planned and agreed between the local NHS team and CCG. The aim is to give people with long-term conditions and disabilities greater choice and control over the healthcare and support they receive. NHS England » Personal health budgets

Physio (Physiotherapy / Physiotherapist) – A department or person qualified to treat disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise.

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) – A benefit for disabled children over the age of 16 and adults who have difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than someone of the same age who does not have a disability to help with the extra costs incurred in looking after them.

P Levels / Scales (Performance Levels / Scales) – Performance descriptors of attainment for pupils aged 5-16 with special educational needs (SEN) who are working below the standard of the national curriculum tests and assessments. Please note that P1 to P4 is no longer used and has been replaced by the Engagement Model. 

PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties) – There is no universally accepted definition of profound and multiple learning disabilities, but it is commonly associated with complex learning needs, pronounced Developmental Delay with significant physical and sensory impairments or a severe medical condition.

Portage – A service provided by the LA that offers planned, home-based educational support for pre-school children with special educational needs.

PP (Pupil Premium) – additional school funding to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. Pupil premium funding is allocated to eligible schools (maintained schools and academies) based on the number of:

  • pupils who are recorded as eligible for free school meals, or have been recorded as eligible in the past 6 years (referred to as Ever 6 FSM)
  • children previously looked after by a local authority or other state care, including children adopted from state care or equivalent from outside England and Wales

PR (Parental Responsibility) – Defined under Section 3 (1) of the Children Act 1989 as meaning all the duties, rights, powers, responsibilities and authority which parents have with respect to their children and their children’s property. Parental Responsibility falls upon:

  • all mothers and fathers who were married to each other at the time of the child’s birth (including those who have since separated or divorced) (Section 2 of the Children Act 1989)
  • mothers who were not married to the father at the time of the child’s birth (Section 2 of the Children Act 1989)
  • fathers who were not married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, but who have obtained parental responsibility either by agreement with the child’s mother or through a court order (Section 2 of the Children Act 1989)
  • any person who is not the parent or guardian of the child named by the court in a residency order while the residence order remains in force (Section 12 of the Children Act 1989)

Under section 33 (3) of the Children Act 1989, while a care order is in force with respect to a child, the social services department designated by the order will have parental responsibility for that child and will have the power (subject to certain provisions) to determine the extent to which a parent or guardian of the child may meet his or her parental responsibility for the child. The social services department cannot have parental responsibility for a child unless that child is the subject of a care order, except for very limited purposes where an emergency protection order is in force under Section 44 of the Children Act 1989.

Provision Map – a school based document which show interventions being carried out for a particular child/young person or class. It is monitored and tracked by the SENDCo.

PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) – Any school established and maintained by a local authority under section 19 (2) of the Education Act 1996 which is specially organised to provide education for pupils who would otherwise not receive suitable education because of illness, exclusion or any other reason. Some of these have now been converted to Alternative Provision Academies (APA).

PSP (Pastoral Support Plan) – A school based programme which is meant to help a child to improve their social, emotional and behavioural skills.

Psychiatrist – Medically qualified doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) –  A mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

PVI (Private, Voluntary and Independent) – a term most often used in relation to independent early years settings that provide childcare from 0-5 years. 

Q

QFT (Quality First Teaching) – the range of approaches, resources and strategies that are used by all teachers to ensure that all children can access learning in the classroom.

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) – professional teaching qualification 

R

Reasonable adjustments – Changes schools and other settings are required to make in accordance with the Equality Act which could include: changes to physical features – for example, creating a ramp so that students can enter a classroom or providing extra support and aids (such as specialist teachers or equipment)

Receptive Language – The ability to understand what is being said.

ROA (Record of Achievement) – an individual’s educational accomplishments and skills acquired over time quite often including a summary of a student’s performance and qualifications.

RSA (Request for Statutory Assessment) – Formal request for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment that can be made by:

  • you (parent of a child)
  • you (young person over the age of 16); or
  • the school

S

Safeguarding – The process of identifying children and young people who have suffered or who are likely to suffer significant harm, and then taking the appropriate steps to keep them safe. For further information see MASH.

SALT / SaLT / SLT (Speech and Language Therapy / Therapist) – A specialist professional who assesses children’s speech, language and communication needs and enable children, young people and adults with speech, language and communication difficulties (and associated difficulties with eating and swallowing) to reach their maximum communication potential and achieve independence in all aspects of life.

SAR (Subject Access Request) – A request made by an individual or third party acting on behalf of an individual (e.g. parent on behalf of a child) asking for their own personal data held by an organisation.

SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) – One of the 4 main categories of special educational needs covered in the SEND Code of Practice 2015 that covers a wide range of social and emotional difficulties which manifest themselves in many ways. These may include becoming withdrawn or isolated, as well as displaying challenging, disruptive or distressing behaviour.

SEN (Special Educational Needs) – A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age or has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions. Children and Families Act 2014 Section 20.

SEN Information Report – A document that all mainstream schools must publish on their websites information about their policy and arrangements for supporting children with SEN. This must be kept up to date.

SEN / SEND Register – A dynamic list of children and young people at an education setting (pre-school, school, college etc.) who require additional teaching and support alongside the standard curriculum and learning schedule. The SEN Register must be managed following guidance from the SEND Code of Practice. The register includes children and young people who are supported at SEN Support level (K) and those who have an EHCP (E). Children and young people can be added to or removed from the SEN Register at any time, depending on how appropriate it is to their needs.

SEN / SEND Support – When a child or young person has been identified as having special educational needs, schools should take action to remove barriers to learning and put effective special educational provision in place called SEND Support. This SEND Support should take the form of a four-part cycle (assess/plan/do/review) through which earlier decisions and actions are revisited, refined and revised with a growing understanding of the child’s needs and what support the child in making good progress and securing good outcomes. This is known as the graduated approach.

SENCO / SENDCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator / Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator) – A qualified teacher in a school or maintained nursery school who has responsibility for co-ordinating SEND provision. In a small school, the headteacher or deputy may take on this role. In larger schools there may be a team of SENDCOs. Other early years settings in group provision arrangements are expected to identify an individual to perform the role of SENDCO and childminders are encouraged to do so, possibly sharing the role between them where they are registered with an agency.

SEND CoP 2015 (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice 2015) – Statutory guidance that supports Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014. It tells local authorities, early years settings, schools, colleges, health and social care providers and others what they must and should do to identify, assess and provide for children and young people with SEN or disabilities.

SEND Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – Difficulties that affect a child or young person’s ability to learn. They can affect their:

  • behaviour or ability to socialise, for example they struggle to make friends
  • reading and writing, for example because they have dyslexia
  • ability to understand things
  • concentration levels, for example because they have ADHD
  • physical ability

SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service) – An independent organisation that provides information, advice and support about Special Educational Needs and/or Disability, health and social care for children, young people and parents.

SENDIST (Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunals) – First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) – GOV.UK Hears appeals lodged by parents/carers of children with SEND, and young people with SEND or young people against:

  • SEND decisions made by the Local Authority about EHC needs assessments and EHC plans.
  • unlawful disability discrimination in education and other relevant services

SEP (Special Educational Provision) – Educational or training provision that is additional to, or different from, that made generally [normally available] to others [pupils or students] of the same age in mainstream schools in England, maintained nursery schools in England, mainstream post-16 institutions in England, or places in England at which relevant early years education is provided, [which is designed to help children and young people with SEN or disabilities to access Early Years education, the National Curriculum at school or to study at college]. Children and Families Act 2014 Section 21

Short Breaks – Opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to spend time away from their parents or primary carers, relaxing and having fun with their friends. They provide families with a ‘break’ from their caring responsibilities; they give parents a chance to unwind rest or spend time with other children.

Short Breaks Statement – A Local Authority document what services are available, what the short break offer is and how they can be accessed and how the range of short breaks are designed to meet the local needs of families with disabled children. The Government requires every Local Authority to publish a Short Breaks Services Statement.

SI (Sensory Impairment) – When one of your senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste and spatial awareness, does not function in the normal way.

SLA (Service Level Agreement) – A commitment between a service provider and a client that describes particular aspects of the service e.g. quality, availability, responsibilities between the service provider and the service user.

SLCN (Speech, Language and Communication Needs) – The term that describes difficulties across one or many aspects of communication including:

  • problems with producing speech sounds accurately
  • stammering
  • voice problems, such as hoarseness and loss of voice
  • problems understanding language (making sense of what people say)
  • problems using language (words and sentences)
  • problems interacting with others. For example, difficulties understanding the non-verbal rules of good communication or using language in different ways to question, clarify or describe things.

SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties / Disabilities)        – Learners with very significant intellectual or cognitive impairments. Their cognitive and/or attainment levels are often at or below 0.01 percentile.

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed) – An acronym used to to ensure targets or outcomes are well defined.

Special School – A school which is resourced and organised to provide for the education of pupils with an Education, Health & Care Plan who need a high degree of support in the learning situation and in some cases specialist facilities, equipment and teaching.

SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) – A condition that affects how the brain processes sensory information (stimuli).  Sensory information includes things you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. SPD can affect all the senses, or just one.

SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) – General learning abilities in the average range but difficulties in one or more particular areas of learning. This includes Dyslexia, Dyscalculia etc.

SSD (Speech Sound Disorder) –  includes disorders such as verbal dyspraxia, articulation disorder, orofacial structural deficits, voice disorders and phonological disorders.

Statutory guidance – Guidance that local authorities and other local bodies have a legal duty to follow.

Statutory School Age – otherwise known as Compulsory School Age. Age 5 – 16.

Supported Internships – a structured study programme for young people aged 16-24 with an EHCP, based primarily at an employer, equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.

Supported living – a type of residential support that helps vulnerable adults, including people with learning disabilities, to live with support in the community.

SW (Social Worker) – A person who will support a family with practical issues such as benefit applications, respite care, household adaptations etc.

T

TA (Teaching Assistant) – Support staff who work with children with special educational needs in the classroom.

TAF (Team Around the Family) – A voluntary way of finding out what extra support your family may need and how best to provide this support. Multi agency meetings are set up by a lead professional to ensure support is well co-ordinated.

TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children) – A well respected clinical, training, and research program developed in North Carolina USA and used across the world.

Transition – Movement between different environments, rooms or settings. All transition involves change and it is vital to prepare children, no matter how young they are, for this. When children are prepared for transition, they adapt more easily to changes.

Transition Plan – A plan devised at the time of a Transition, most usually from one key stage to another, for example when a child moves from pre-school to primary school, from primary school to secondary school or from secondary school to college or other post 16 education. A transition plan is also usual when a child moves to a different type of placement such as from mainstream to a specialist or specialist to mainstream.

TSCB (Torbay Safeguarding Children’s Board) – A multi-agency board working to ensure all children can be safe from abuse or harm at home and within the community.

U

There are no current relevant acronyms or terms beginning with this letter in this glossary.

V

VI (Visually Impaired) – Partial or complete loss of sight.

Virtual School – This is not a physical school. This is a service that supports the education of children looked after from ages 0 – 19. It is the Local Authority’s statutory duty to promote the educational achievement of children looked after under Section 52 of the Children Act 2004.

Virtual learning – Education conducted entirely through Internet technology. Pupils have designated timeslots for lessons that are delivered by an online tutor.

VOCAs (Voice Output Communication Aids) – Devices which enable the user to speak. The simplest VOCAs store a single pre-recorded message, which is produced in the form of digitised speech when the person using the device presses a button, switch, or key.

W

WASI (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) – An assessment test frequently used by Educational Psychologists to measure cognitive ability through Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Matrix Reasoning. The Matrix Reasoning component looks at fluid intelligence, broad visual intelligence, classification skills and spatial ability.

Working memory – A term used to refer to the ability to hold and use information in the brain over short periods of time. 

WRAT (Wide Range Achievement Test) – An assessment test frequently used by Educational Psychologists to assess basic academic skills in spelling, sentence comprehension, and single-word reading.

WSoA (Written Statement of Action) – A document that sets out what local area partners are going to do to improve each area of significant weakness, identified within an Ofsted/CQC SEND Local Area inspection, how the work will be done and when it will be completed. 

X

There are no current relevant acronyms or terms beginning with this letter in this glossary.

Y

YOT (Youth Offending Team) – Old terminology, recently replaced by YJS, to describe a part of local authorities separate from the police and the justice system. They work with local agencies including the police, probation officers, health, children’s services, schools and the local community, to run local crime prevention programmes, help young people at the police station if they’re arrested, help young people and their families at court, supervise young people serving a community sentence and stay in touch with a young person if they’re sentenced to custody.

YJS (Youth Justice Service) previously known as the youth offending team (YOT) – A team of professionals from: Children’s Services; Education; Police; Probation & Health, who work together to prevent children and young people from offending or re-offending, and promote safe communities.

Young carer – Someone under 18 who helps look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.

YP (Young Person) – A person over compulsory school age (the end of the academic year in which they turn 16). From this point the right to make decisions about matters covered by the Children and Families Act 2014 applies to the young person directly, rather than to their parents.

Z

There are no current relevant acronyms or terms beginning with this letter in this glossary.

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