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SEN (Special educational needs)

A learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision. SEN is the older and still common short form; England now usually writes SEND.

Stands for
Special educational needs
Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
SEND and special education

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) England
The term used in England for children and young people who have a learning difficulty or disability that needs special educational provision, as defined in the Children and Families Act 2014.
ALN (Additional learning needs) Wales
The term used in Wales, under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, for learning difficulties or disabilities that call for additional learning provision.
ASN (Additional support needs) Scotland
The term used in Scotland, under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, for any child who needs extra help to benefit from school education, for whatever reason and for however long.

More terms: SEND and special education

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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.