Broad Areas of Need
This section outlines strategies, interventions, and resources to support CYP with a range of needs and barriers to learning. CYP receiving additional support will typically present with needs corresponding to one or more of the four broad areas identified in the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
Professionals should always consider the potential for co-occurring needs and recognise how difficulties in one area may impact another. For example, unmet speech and language needs can significantly affect a CYP's social, emotional, and mental health if they experience challenges communicating with adults or peers.
The four broad areas of need are:
- Cognition and Learning
- Communication and Interaction
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Sensory and/or Physical Needs
For the purposes of this guidance, Communication and Interaction are further divided into:
For the purposes of this guidance, Sensory and/or Physical Needs are further divided into:
- Physical Needs and Complex Medical Needs
- Sensory Needs (Hearing, Vision, and Multi-Sensory Impairment)
Support should be based on a CYP's presenting needs rather than reliant on a formal diagnosis. It is important to recognise that many CYP will have overlapping needs across multiple areas. Additionally, not all strategies and provisions within a category will be appropriate for every individual; this tool should therefore be used as a flexible guide to inform tailored support planning.
This guidance sets out the range of provision expected across the Local Area. While settings may not yet have expertise in all strategies, interventions, and resources described, support, advice, and training are available to help develop practice and meet these expectations.
Links to training, advice, and guidance are included within this tool and will be regularly reviewed and expanded. Further training opportunities can be accessed via the Schools and Learning Providers website or through professionals linked to the setting
