Special Education Needs in Sunderland
If your child may have special educational needs (SEN), it’s important that they receive the right support to help them thrive. Our specialist legal team are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your child gets the best possible start and access to the additional help they require. We provide clear advice and representation on all matters relating to SEN law.
What Are Special Educational Needs ?
Special educational needs (SEN) are learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child or young person to access education. SEN can significantly affect the way a child learns and develops.
These challenges may impact:
- Understanding and processing information
- Behaviour and emotional regulation
- Concentration levels
- Hearing or vision
- Physical ability
- Reading and writing
- Social and communication skills
If a child or young person requires support beyond what is normally provided to others of the same age, they are likely to have special educational needs.
If you are unsure whether your child may have SEN, our solicitors can help you understand their rights and guide you through the next steps.
The Process of SEN Support
If your child is struggling at school, the school’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) and teachers will usually assess their needs and put together an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This plan may involve:
- Classroom adaptations
- Additional support staff
- Specialist input from external experts
In some cases, however, schools may not recognise a child’s SEN, or the support available within the school may not be sufficient. When this happens, you may need to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
An EHCP is a legal document that sets out the educational, health, and social care support your child must receive. Unlike the limited resources available from a school’s delegated budget, an EHCP ensures legally enforceable provision tailored to your child’s needs.
Applying for an EHCP in Sunderland
To obtain an EHCP, you must first request an EHC needs assessment from Devon County Council. This assessment gathers information from education, health, and social care professionals about your child’s needs.
The local authority must decide whether an EHCP is “necessary.” If they refuse to assess or to issue an EHCP, parents have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).
It’s important to note that while Sunderland City Council must follow national laws (Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice 2015), local policies can sometimes oversimplify legal requirements. This can result in decisions that do not fully reflect a child’s individual needs—making expert legal advice essential.
How We Can Help
Our team has extensive experience supporting families across Sunderland with SEN legal issues. We have successfully helped parents:
- Apply for EHC assessments and EHCPs
- Challenge local authority decisions
- Represent their child’s case at SENDIST appeals
If you need advice or representation, please contact our specialist solicitors on 02920 291 704. We are here to ensure your child receives the education and support they are legally entitled to.
Education Law Advice
Special Educational Needs Solicitors
Sunderland