Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may experience barriers to learning, development or accessing education without the right support.
Information for parents, carers, young people and professionals about support and services for children and young people from 0-25 with SEND is available on the Portsmouth Local Offer website.
What is SEND?
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may need extra help because of:
- learning and understanding difficulties
- physical or sensory difficulties
- social, emotional and mental health needs
- communication difficulties
- how they relate to and behave with other people
Some children and young people may need extra or different support at different points during their education. Schools, settings and other organisations should work with families to identify needs early and provide appropriate support to help children and young people learn, develop and participate fully.
Some children and young people may need more sustained or specialist support for some or all of their time in education.
Special educational needs could mean that a child has difficulties with:
- reading, writing, number work or understanding information
- expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
- making friends or relating to adults
- understanding and following school rules
- organising themselves
- some kind of sensory or physical needs which may affect them in school
What support is available
Portsmouth City Council and partner services provide information, advice and support for children and young people with SEND, their parents and carers, and professionals. Support should be based on the individual needs of the child or young person and developed in partnership with families.
For more information, contact us using the details at the end of this page.
Find all local services and support on offer for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND at Portsmouth Local Offer. The Local Offer includes information about education, health and social care services, activities, events, and local support groups.
There is dedicated information for:
- children and young people with SEND
- parents and carers
- professionals working with children and young people with SEND
Neurodiversity (ND) Profiling Tool
Portsmouth uses the Neurodiversity (ND) Profiling Tool to help identify the strengths and support needs of children and young people with SEND.
Find out more about how this tool works at the Neurodiversity (ND) Profiling Tool.
Contact us
For more information, email sen.education@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or write to:
Special Educational Needs
Portsmouth City Council
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2EA