Special Educational Needs (SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.) is a term used when a child or young person has learning difficulties that make it harder for them to learn than most children and young people of the same age. These children and young people may need extra, or different help from that given to others.

If a child or young person has a disability which stops or makes it difficult for them to use the same facilities as others of the same age, they also have special educational needs.

The SEND Code of Practice 2015 (page 15) gives a legal definition of special educational needs and the Department for Education has provided a parent/carer guide which gives an explanation on page 7.

The Equality Act 2010 gives a definition of disability:

A child or young person has a disability if they have a medical or physical impairment that is substantial and has a long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Children or young people with a disability do not necessarily have special educational needs, for example if a child uses a wheelchair, it will not necessarily affect their ability to learn.