Glossary
The glossary below breaks down key terms and phrases you may come across when talking about SEND in school. Click the box below to expand and view the full list of terms.
Glossary of Terms
| ADHD / ADD | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Attention Deficit Disorder |
| ASD / ASC | Autism Spectrum Disorder / Autism Spectrum Conditions |
| CAMHS | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services |
| EHCP | Education, Health and Care Plan |
| EP | Educational Psychologist |
| EWO | Education Welfare Officer |
| HI | Hearing Impairment |
| IASS | Information, Advice and Support Services |
| LSA | Learning Support Assistant |
| ODD | Oppositional Defiant Disorder |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| PDA | Pathological Demand Avoidance |
| SALT | Speech and Language Therapy |
| SEMH | Social Emotional and Mental Health |
| SEND | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities |
| SENDCo | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator |
| SFP | School Focused Plan |
| SpLD | Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia and dyscalculia) |
| SSS | Sensory Support Service |
| VI | Visual Impairment |
Useful Resources for Parents & Carers
Below is a list of local and national organisations that provide support, guidance and information for families of children with SEND. Click each box to learn more.
Cheshire East’s Local Offer
The Cheshire East Local Offer includes information about the support and provision that families can expect from a wide range of agencies for children and young people with SEND and for those awaiting diagnosis from birth to 25 years old.
Cheshire East Information, Advice & Support (CEIAS)
Parents, carers and children who want individual, impartial advice on any issues relating to SEND can contact Cheshire East’s Information, Advice and Support (CEIAS) team.
If you need advice or support from the CEIAS complete the contact CEIAS online form. It will take 5 minutes to complete and one of their officers will contact you within 5 working days.
Alternatively you can:
Email:
[email protected]
Telephone:
0300 123 5166 (Monday – Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm), (Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm)
Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum (CEPCF)
Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum has a small team of volunteer parent carer representatives who gather the views of local families and work in partnership with Education and Social Care services at Cheshire East Council, education settings, health providers and other providers to highlight where local services, processes and commissioners are working well, or challenge when changes or improvements need to be made.
They work to represent the voice of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. They invite all Cheshire East parents and carers to join the forum – it is free to become a member and you can sign up on their website.
British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to create a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
The BDA website provides lots of useful information and advice about Dyslexia.
National Autistic Society
This is the UK’s leading charity for people who have autism and their families.
They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
Family Support & Guidance
Our Family Support and Guidance page brings together a wide range of resources to help parents and carers support their child’s wellbeing, learning, and development. It includes practical advice on parenting, mental health and emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, home education, and more.