Targeted Special educational needs (SEN) Support
Targeted SEN Support is a type of Special education needs (SEN) Support delivered by mainstream schools.
It is extra support given to individual children or small groups to help with their learning.
Targeted SEN Support covers four broad areas of need:
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and learning
- Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)
- Sensory and/or physical needs
Learn more about how SEN Support meets these areas of need in the provision expected at SEN Support (PEaSS) guidance.
Examples of Targeted SEN Support
Communication and interaction
Schools support children and young people with speech, language or social communication needs. This is through clear routines and tailored strategies, such as:
- Using visual timetables and prompts to support understanding. For example, picture-based schedules on classroom walls.
- All staff consistently using clear, simplified language. For example, "First..., then..." phrasing or chunked instructions.
- Group work for small groups to build social skills. For example, Circle of Friends or LEGO®-based therapy.
- Trained staff delivering speech and language programmes. For example, the WellComm toolkit or NHS speech and language therapy (SaLT) resources.
Cognition and learning
Schools adapt teaching to support children and young people who find learning difficult. For example:
- Providing word banks, sentence starters or worked examples. This type of help is called scaffolding.
- Using multi-sensory teaching and resources. For example, tactile resources such as Numicon.
- Targeted interventions to develop English and maths skills. For example, Precision Teaching, Toe by Toe for reading, Power of 2 for maths
- Exam access arrangements, such as, extra time and reader or scribe support
Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)
Schools provide nurturing environments to support children with emotional or mental health needs. For example:
- Using positive behaviour approaches focused on relationships and understanding of emotions. For example, restorative practice or Zones of Regulation.
- Emotional literacy programmes and mentoring. For example, emotional literacy support assistant (ELSA) sessions or the Thrive approach.
- Providing safe spaces for regulation and reflection. For example, calm pods, sensory rooms, beanbags.
- Assigning key adults for daily check-ins. For example, providing a named staff member for consistent contact.
- Work with external agencies when needed. For example, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), educational psychologists, Early Help
- Providing calm spaces and structured playtimes to reduce anxiety. For example, supervised lunch clubs or quiet zones.
Sensory and/or physical needs
Schools ensure children with physical or sensory needs fully access learning. For example:
- Adapting environments and providing accessible resources. For example, height-adjustable desks and enlarged print materials.
- Using assistive technology to aid independence. For example, voice-to-text software, hearing aids and magnifiers.
- Using sensory-friendly strategies and equipment. For example, ear defenders, fidget tools, weighted cushions.
- Creating personalised medical and care plans. For example, EpiPen training, toileting plans, physiotherapy routines.
- Involving health professionals in planning and support. For example, occupational therapists, school nurses, mobility specialists.
If your child or young person gets Targeted SEN Support
If your child or young person gets Targeted SEN Support, their school will write it into a SEN Support plan.
