What is SEND?
As in many areas of life, people are taking a look at the terminology they use when describing children with special needs.
Many people favour the abbreviation ‘SEN’ – ‘special educational needs’ – to describe young people who have a physical, emotional, neurological or mental health condition which means they need extra assistance to help them gain an education. More recently, however, other people are choosing instead to use ‘SEND’ which stands for ‘special educational needs and disabilities’.
What is the Difference Between SEN/SEND?
In truth, there is very little difference in the two descriptions. The term ‘special needs’ can be applied to a huge range of challenges from being blind, for example, or hearing-impaired to being dyslexic or socially-anxious.
Many of the conditions which come under the special needs umbrella – such as autism, ADHD or being a wheelchair-user – are officially classified as disabilities because they impact a person’s ability to study, work or live a ‘normal’ life.
Even so, many educationalists feel it is more inclusive to add a ‘D’ for ‘disabilities’ to the acronym, recognising it as a category in its own right.
Find a Tutor that specialises in SEN/SEND
Discover qualified tutors with expertise in working with students with SEN/SEND with our online Tutor Finder.
Four Categories of SEN or SEND
Experts generally agree that there are four areas of difficulty which could be described as special needs:
- Challenges with communication or social interaction
- Difficulties with cognition and learning
- Social, emotional or health problems
- Sensory or physical needs
Children may have difficulties in more than one area. Some of their challenges may be classified as a disability, while others aren’t.
Legal Terms
Regardless of whether you use ‘SEN’ or ‘SEND’, both are legally-recognised terms which mean a young person has certain rights and protections.
According to the website of the charity IPSEA – Independent Provider of Special Education Advice – a child can be classified as having special needs if they have a learning difficulty and/or a disability which makes it difficult for them to use school or college facilities in the same way as their peers. If these challenges mean that additional help needs to be put in place, they have SEN/SEND.
In addition to classroom provision, having special needs may also mean a child needs extra health or social support such as speech and language therapy, psychological interventions or occupational therapy.
SEN or SEND Doesn’t Always Mean an EHCP
Local authorities are legally responsible for identifying and assessing the special needs of the young people they care for. They are obliged to support a child to achieve the ‘best possible educational and other outcomes’.
If a student can’t be supported at school through existing methods, they will be granted an EHCP which details exactly what additional support will be required and includes input from the parents. The plan will be reviewed and updated annually.
Useful Contacts
- MindMind is a UK charity that provides advice, support, and services to help people experiencing mental health problems. Visit them here.
- The UK Trauma CouncilThe UK Trauma Council provides guidance, training, and resources to help professionals understand and respond to childhood trauma. Contact them here.
Complex & medical needs
For children with multiple, or complex needs, we can help you find a Tutor with the perfect skills and experience.
Some of our SEN/SEND tutors
At SENsational Tutors, all our tutors have experience and expertise working with SEND students.
Kelly
In-person
London
I've worked with children with a range of SEND in many settings. My approach develops confidence and a love of learning. I enjoy unlocking skills and providing learning experiences in the community.
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Terri
In-person
East Grinstead
(1 review)
Over the past 35 years, I've supported students with autism, ADHD, and SEN. I focus on building trust, nurturing confidence and celebrating every step of progress.
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Christopher
In-person
London
(1 review)
With 38 years' experience, I provide structured, compassionate English, maths, and GCSE tutoring for autism, ADHD, and SEN, empowering students to build independence and deep understanding.
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David
Online
In-person
Bromley
(3 reviews)
With a decade of experience, I provide structured, compassionate tutoring in English, maths, and GCSEs for autism, ADHD, and SEN, empowering students to build independence and understanding.
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Hannah
In-person
London
(1 review)
I'm an experienced SENDCo, Inclusion Lead and Designated Teacher working in primary schools across London. My passion is supporting young people to thrive through an entirely person-centred approach.
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Simone
In-person
Surrey
(8 reviews)
I offer over 20 years of teaching primary subjects and English-based secondary subjects. My structured, empathetic approach develops trusting relationships and fosters student independence.
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Sarah
Online
In-person
Bramhall
(1 review)
Drawing on 20 years of experience, I build encouraging English and maths lessons for students with autism, ADHD, and SEN. I help learners feel confident, secure, and ready to progress.
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Safeena
Online
In-person
Luton
(2 reviews)
Over the past 25 years, I've worked with autism, ADHD, and SEN students in English, maths, and A-levels. I keep sessions calm and practical, ensuring students feel secure to make steady progress.
View profile
Local Authorities
We often work with local authorities to provide safe, measurable and properly documented education to young people with SEN/SEND.
Our tutors are all qualified (QTS) teachers with specialist SEND experience. They are also trained in trauma-informed approaches to education. We provide detailed, evidence-based progress reports, attend MDT and review meetings, and maintain consistent communication with local authority representatives.
With the training and the experience to teach children who have experienced school trauma, complex autism, PDA or non-speaking presentations, SENsational Tutors provide qualified SEN tutors for local authorities and schools across the UK.
Tutoring Options
There are several different types of tutoring available through SENsational Tutors.
Private Tuition
Many of our highly qualified SEND tutors can provide one to one tuition at your home.
Online Tuition
All our online tutors provide one to one tuition, ensuring your child gets dedicated support.
Home Schooling
Our dedicated SENational tutors can provide the education and support for elective home education.
EOTAS
SENsational Tutors can provide expert tutors through your EOTAS package or personal budget.
How it works
At SENsational Tutors, we aim to make your life as a parent easier and will work with you to help source the most suitable SEN tutor or professional for your child.
- Find a TutorUse our easy online tool to find experienced SEND tutors who have the skills your child needs.
- Meet your Tutor for freeBook in a free consultation with your chosen Tutor, to make sure they’re the right fit for your child.
- Book sessions directYou can then arrange tutoring sessions directly with your Tutor, giving you greater control over your availability.
“Sensational tutors have been amazing and helped me to find the perfect match for my daughter.”
Stacey
UK
What we cover
Our Tutors cover a wide range of ages, educational levels and subjects, and you can find details on each Tutor’s individual profile.
Subjects we cover
- Maths
- English/Literacy
- Science
- Homework support
- General engagement
- Confidence and self esteem
- Study skills
- Executive functioning skills
- Social communication
- Language skills
Multiple Academic levels
- Early years
- Post 16
- Primary
- Adult
- Secondary
Find a Tutor that specialises in SEN/SEND
Use our online Tutor Finder to discover experienced and qualified tutors with SEN/SEND experience.
“Our experience with SENsational tutors has been completely positive...
My son has a number of additional needs and being matched with the tutor John has proven to be a very good match indeed. He has helped my son improve his English skills in a number of areas from grammar to preparation for SATs. The additional confidence my son has gained from these sessions has also been really lovely to see.”
Caroline
UK
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Find a Tutor that specialises in SEN/SEND
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