The term 'special educational needs' is used when children have a learning difficulty or disability, which makes it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.
A child with special educational needs may need extra help or different help from other pupils of the same age. Only a few children with special educational needs require a detailed assessment by us. This was formerly called a statutory assessment of special educational needs, however from 1 September 2014 it is known as an education health and care needs assessment.
Following an education health and care needs assessment, we may decide to issue an education health and care plan which describes our child's needs and how they should be met. It also gives you the opportunity to express a preference for which school your child should attend.
It's our policy to meet children's needs, wherever possible, in mainstream schools including those schools with enhanced resource status.
Most children with statements or education, health and care plans will be educated in mainstream schools, but places at enhanced resource and special schools are given to some pupils with statements or education, health and care plans.
For more information and for school places for children with a statement of special educational needs or an education health and care plan, email cs.sendadmin@derbyshire.gov.uk
Special Educational Needs Section
Children's Services
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG