School SEN information reports

What is the SEN information report for?

The purpose of the SEN information report is to enable parents, children and young people, and other visitors to a school's website to find out how pupils with SEND are supported. It should enable someone without specialist knowledge of the education system or SEND to quickly and easily learn about a school's approach to SEND; this may be to help them decide if a school is right for their child, or perhaps because they think their child, who is already a pupil at a school, may have SEND and they want to know what to do next. What a school should include in its SEN Information Report can be found in the following documents:

• Section 6.79 of the Special educational needs and disabilities code of practice
• The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014
• Children and Families Act 2014

Reviewing a SEN information report

Publishing a 'SEN information report' on a school's website is a statutory requirement for all maintained schools (including nursery schools), and academies must publish information about the implementation of their SEN policy (SEND Code of Practice 2015, para. 6.79). This information should be updated annually, with any in-year changes updated as soon as possible.

Coproduction with pupils and families

The purpose of an SEN information report is to be written 'for families with families' through codesigning and joint collaboration. Evidence of how closely parents/carers have been involved in the design and review of the report and how this has been acknowledged should be clear within the report.

Accessibility

The information contained within the report should be set out in clear, straightforward language. Families should be able to access the report easily, and other accessibility considerations should be available for children, young people, and families. Examples include those who cannot access the internet, have a disability, or have English as an additional language.

Plymouth City Council and Learning Academies Trust have jointly produced a quality assurance tool to support schools with the review of their SEN information reports.

How do I find a SEN Information Report?

There are two ways of finding a school's SEN Information Report. One way is to look at a school's website. The SEN Information Report can often be found in the 'About' or 'Information for Parents' sections under 'SEN' or 'SEND'.

SEN Information Reports can also be found by following the link within the 'Local Offer' Section of the School Directory, which is located on the Plymouth Online Directory.

View a list of all schools in Plymouth

Frequently asked questions

What is an SEN information report?

This is a report published by schools outlining their approach, policies, and provisions to support children with SEN. It helps families understand the SEN support available.

What type of information is included in the report?

Details on identifying and assessing SEN, consulting with parents, implementing support, training staff, adapting curriculum and environment, equipment provided, expertise of staff, and arrangements for handling complaints.

Where can I find my child's school's SEN information report?

Reports are published on the school's website. If unavailable online, request a copy from your child's teacher or the SENCO. Schools legally must make reports accessible.

How regularly are SEN information reports updated?

Reports should be updated at least once a year to reflect any changes to staff, policies, interventions, or facilities. Request to see the latest version.

Can the report help me understand if the school can support my child's needs?

Yes, the report outlines the school's common SEN types, services available on-site, staff expertise, specialist facilities, and how personal budgets are used. This indicates fit.

What if I feel the school report insufficiently covers certain areas?

Raise any gaps, lack of clarity, or need for more detail with the SENCO. They legally must involve parents in devising and reviewing the report contents.

Can I request additions if my child's needs are not mentioned in the report?

Yes, you have the right to request additions to the report if you feel key information is missing about your child's needs and provisions that would aid their learning.

Plymouth's Local Offer is organised into four main categories covering the following age ranges:

• Early years (0 to 5 years old)
• Primary (5 to 11 years old)
• Secondary (11 to 18 years old)
• Preparing for adulthood

 Plymouth Local Offer homepage

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.