An umbrella term describing children and young people who have a learning difficulty and/or a disability that means they need additional or different support to access education compared with most others of the same age. SEND is defined in the SEND Code of Practice (0–25) and applies across education, health and social care.
Difference from an EHCP:
SEND describes a range of needs and applies to many children, most of whom are supported through SEN Support within education settings. An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a statutory legal plan for a smaller group of children and young people with SEND who require more complex, multi‑agency support following a formal assessment.