‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’ (often shortened to SEND) describes the needs of children who have a difficulty or disability that makes learning harder for them than most children of the same age.

SEND can cover a broad range of needs that includes physical development, visual or hearing impairment, difficulties with speech and language, emotional and behavioural difficulties, difficulties with thinking and understanding.

Disability is a term used for a recognised condition experienced by the child, usually diagnosed quite early in their lives.