What does SEN Support in post-16 education mean?

Chapter seven of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice 2015 (the Code) contains the statutory guidance in relation to;

• further education colleges
• sixth form colleges
• 16 – 19 academies, and
• some independent specialist colleges

to identify, assess and provide support for young people with SEN.

As young people, you should be supported to participate in discussions about your aspirations, your needs, and the support that you think will help you best. Support should be aimed at promoting your independence and enabling you to make good progress towards employment and/or higher education, independent living, good health and participating in the community.

SEN Support should follow a cycle of action:

• Assess: Colleges should bring together all the relevant information from you, the school and anyone else working with you. This should be discussed with you and you can be accompanied by a parent, advocate or other supporter if you like.
• Plan: A support plan should be developed together with you. Support might include assistive technology, specialist tuition, note takers, access to therapies (for example, speech and language therapy) or a range of other types of support.
• Do: This plan should be put into place by the college.
• Review: The effectiveness of the support should be reviewed regularly, taking into account your progress and any changes to your own ambitions and aspirations, which may lead to changes in the type and level of support.

External specialist help can be involved at any time, and should always be involved where your needs are not being met by the interventions put in place.

A record should be kept of the support provided and of your progress.

If the college has taken relevant and purposeful action to identify and meet your needs, but you are still not making expected progress, the college should consider requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. You can also make this request yourself if you prefer, and your parents or other helper can support you in making it if you like.