These professionals are the key to building your child’s EHCP case, backing you in appeals and most of all to help you understand what your SEN child needs. There are many so lets go through what role each one plays in the SEN journey.
SEN professionals, or professionals in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN), are individuals who work with students who have special educational needs or disabilities. They are trained and experienced in providing support, intervention, and accommodations to help students with diverse needs succeed in their educational settings. SEN professionals work in a variety of settings, including schools, special education units, clinics, hospitals, and community organisations.
SEN professionals may include:
- SENCO: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is a qualified teachers in mainstream schools that oversees the strategic development of SEN policy and provision and as such is advised to form part of the leadership team. In addition, they ensure the implementation of the SEN policy on a day-to-day basis.They are a key point of contact for colleagues and can offer support and advice for the identification of needs and suitable provision to meet those needs. Through provision management they will maintain an overview of the progress of pupils with SEND and will seek to develop practice to ensure the effectiveness of interventions and support. SENCo’s will oversee the EHCP applications and reviews.
- Educational Psychologists: These professionals assess and diagnose learning difficulties and emotional, social, and behavioral challenges in students. They provide interventions and support to help students overcome barriers to learning and development, and collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers and parents, to create effective strategies and interventions.
- Speech and Language Therapists: These professionals assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and communication disorders in students. They provide therapy and interventions to improve communication skills, including speech production, language comprehension, and social communication.
- Occupational Therapists: These professionals assess and provide interventions to help students with physical, sensory, and developmental challenges develop the skills needed to participate in daily activities, including self-care, play, and learning. They may also provide support with assistive technology, sensory integration, and environmental modifications.
- Physical Therapists: These professionals assess and provide interventions to help students with physical disabilities or motor challenges improve their mobility, strength, and coordination. They may also provide support with adaptive equipment, mobility aids, and environmental modifications.
- Behaviour Analysts: These professionals assess and analyze behavior patterns in students and develop behavior management plans to address challenging behaviors. They provide interventions and strategies to improve social skills, self-regulation, and behaviour management techniques.
- Special Education Administrators: These professionals oversee special education programs and services in schools or districts. They develop policies and procedures, coordinate services, and provide leadership and support to special education teachers and other professionals.
- Assistive Technology Specialists: These professionals assess, recommend, and provide assistive technology solutions to help students with disabilities access and participate in educational activities. They may provide support with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, computer access, and other assistive technologies.
- Special Education Advocates: These professionals provide support and advocacy for students with special educational needs and their families. They may assist with navigating the special education process, advocating for appropriate services and accommodations, and ensuring that students’ rights are protected.
- Other professionals: There are many other professionals who may work with students with special educational needs, including counselors, social workers, nurses, and other specialists, depending on the unique needs of the students and the educational setting.
Overall, SEN professionals play a critical role in supporting students with special educational needs to achieve their full potential and succeed in their educational settings. They work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that meet the unique needs of each student.