SEND Acronyms - A guide for teaching staff

For Teachers and Teaching Assistants supporting children in SEND Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and mainstream schools, from preschool education right up to further education, understanding the myriad of acronyms and terminology is essential.

Navigating all the acronyms used in SEND education can be tricky. We’re here to help you unpick the most commonly used!

In this blog, we’ll provide an A-Z list of vital SEND acronyms while shedding light on their significance in the field. As you delve into this alphabet soup of terms, you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate the SEND education landscape.

An of A-Z of SEND Acronyms

ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder. Find out more here or take our online CPD course.

CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service 

DDA – Disability Discrimination Act. Repealed and replaced by the Equality Act, 2010.

EBD – Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

EFA – Education Funding Agency 

Ed Psych – Educational Psychologist 

EHCP – Education, Health, and Care Plan 

EOTAS – Education Other Than at School 

FE – Further Education 

IEP – Individual Education Plan 

LAC – Looked After Children 

LA – Local Authority

LSA – Learning Support Assistant 

MLD – Moderate Learning Difficulties 

NC – National Curriculum 

PEP – Personal Education Plan

PRU – Pupil Referral Unit 

SEAL – Social and Emotional Aspects 

SEMH – Social, Emotional, and Mental Health 

SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

SENCo – Special Educational Needs Coordinator 

SLD – Severe Learning Difficulties 

TA – Teaching Assistant

VI – Visual Impairment

Understanding these acronyms is paramount when working in SEND settings, as they form the foundation of effective communication and collaboration in the sector. If as part of your role you work with an Education Welfare Service or Local education authorities then this understanding is important. Additional staff members such as Educational Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists may communicate using this terminology also.

A Closer Look at Key SEND Terms and Acronyms

Annual Review –

The Annual Review process ensures that the educational and support needs of children or young people with SEND are reviewed annually to make necessary adjustments and track progress.

EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) –

EHCPs provide a comprehensive plan outlining the educational, health, and social care support required for children and young people with SEND. It’s a legal document aimed at meeting individual needs.

SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) –

SENCOs play a pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing special educational provisions within schools or colleges, ensuring tailored support for children with SEND.

LA (Local Authority) –

Local Authorities are responsible for making decisions on school placements, funding, and overseeing education within a specific geographical area.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) –

CAMHS offers mental health support to children and young people, including those facing emotional and behavioural difficulties.

TA (Teaching Assistant) –

Teaching Assistants provide essential support to teachers and children with SEND, aiding them in achieving their educational goals.

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) –

ASD is a developmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behaviour.

IEP (Individual Education Plan) –

IEPs are personalized plans designed to set educational goals and strategies for children with SEND, facilitating progress monitoring.

SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) –

SEMH addresses emotional and behavioural aspects of a child’s development, encompassing conditions such as anxiety disorders and conduct disorders.

Would you like career support? Are you looking for a new SEND role?

You can view all our latest school vacancies here. Alternatively, register your interest here.