What is Special Educational Provision ("SEP")
- alicemarshment
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Every child and young person learns in their own way, but some children and young people require additional support to access education fully. Students with Special Educational Needs ("SEN") may require Special Educational Provision ("SEP") to ensure they receive the tailored support they require.
Under the Children and Families Act 2014, as supplemented by guidance in the SEND Code of Practice (2015), SEP refers to support that is additional to or different from that which is typically provided in mainstream education for children without SEN. It exists to ensure that students who struggle due to disabilities or learning difficulties receive the appropriate adjustments to access education successfully.
For example, SEP might include:
Specialist teaching strategies
One-on-one support from a teaching assistant
Direct and indirect Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy
Adaptations to the curriculum and/or learning materials
Assistive technology such as speech-to-text software or modified furniture
Social, emotional, and mental health support such as counselling sessions
SEP can be provided within a mainstream school, special school, or other educational setting, depending on a student's needs.
The process of determining SEP starts with identifying a child or young person's needs. This is often carried out by schools and colleges in collaboration with parents and professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Occupational Therapists.
There are two primary pathways to accessing SEP:
SEN Support: Schools provide targeted interventions and adjustments through a cycle of "Assess, Plan, Do, Review," ensuring ongoing review of progress
Education Health and Care Plan ("EHC Plan"): if SEN Support is insufficient, schools or parents/carers can request an EHC Needs Assessment ("EHCNA") from their local authority. The EHCP is a legally binding document that outlines the child or young person's SEN and SEP required to meet them.
If your child or young person is struggling with education, SEND Advocacy can provide information, advice and support to help ensure they receive the provision to which they are entilted. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education they deserve, contact SEND Advocacy today.
