What special educational needs and disabilities means
Find out about what special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) means and the legal definition.
School age children
Support for children and young people with special educational needs who are 5 to 16 years old.
Support with special educational needs and disabilities
Get help if you’re worried about your child’s development or learning
Contact your child's nursery, playgroup, childminder, school, college or Amaze, our local Information, Advice and Support service.
Support at school or college
How schools and colleges support children and young people
Schools will work with you and your child to provide support with their special educational needs or disabilities.
How to apply for a school place if your child has special educational needs or disabilities
How to apply for school in Brighton & Hove and what to do if your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Get help for children and young people who have social communication difficulties
If a child or young person does not attend school, or finds it very difficult to attend school full time because they have social communication difficulties, they could get support. We call this support our social communication resource.
Check if your child can get an education, health and care (EHC) plan
Most children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities get the support they need from their childcare provider, school or college without an EHC plan.
Fun activities and clubs
Find short breaks for children with special needs and disabilities
Where to find after school clubs, holiday schemes and overnight care so that children can have fun while parents or carers take a break.
Contact us
Tell us what you think about our Local Offer
Give us your feedback to help us improve the support and services we offer for children, young people and families.
Contact Local Offer
Get in touch with one of our teams for help and information.