Special educational needs and disability

About one in five young people have special educational needs or a disability and need some extra help to do their best at school or college.  

There are different kinds of special educational needs, including:

• Communicating
• Thinking and understanding
• Mental health
• Physical development

Whatever the need is there is support to help you. 

Getting support at school or college

To get support your parents should talk to someone at your school or college. You can also talk to somebody at your school or college yourself. 

• Be clear – try and explain exactly what you are feeling and the difficulties you are having
• Be practical – try and think about what would help you
• Stay involved – all the decisions should involve you

Each school has a teacher called the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo for short) who will help to make sure that you are listened to and get the right support. 

Crucial: The are different services that can provide support, like the SEN Support Services (SENSS), Oxfordshire’s School Inclusion Team (OXSIT) and The Early Years SEN Team.

Extra help

Sometimes young people with SEN or disability can get extra help with exams and assessments. You can find out more on the Access to Assessments webpage.

16-18 and don't have a place in learning?

If you are aged 16-18 and do not have a place in learning you should register with the EET support service.  They help you think about your future and find learning which is right for you – no matter what support you need.

Crucial: All young people should be in education, learning or training until they are 18. This is especially important for young people with special educational needs. Make sure that you get all the free education you are entitled to, and that you have the best skills for your adult life.  

Your local offer belongs to you!

The Local Offer explains support available to children and young people with special educational needs and disability, and to their families. We hope you found this page helpful. If you would like anything changed, updated or added, please use this online form.