The term 'special educational needs' is used to describe children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn or access education than most children of the same age. In Scotland, the term 'additional support needs' (ASN) is used.
Almost all blind and partially sighted children have SEN or ASN, but not always to a great extent. Nearly half of children who have sight problems have complex needs.
Any extra support a child gets at school should be based on their individual needs. Having an assessment and getting a statement of SEN can help to make sure this happens.
This guide looks at the processes around ensuring a child with special educational needs gets all the support that they need.