If you’re new to SEND education, are looking to enter the sector, or if you just need to refamiliarise yourself with some of the SEND abbreviations and terms commonly adopted, we’ve compiled this handy reference guide to help!
SEND Abbreviations
ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD – Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
ASC – Autistic Spectrum Condition
ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder
BSL – British Sign Language
CLA – Children Looked After
CAMHS – Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
CP – Child Protection
DBS – Disclosure Barring Service
DfE – Department for Education
DSO – Designated Safeguarding Officer
EAL – English as an Additional Language
EHCP – Education, Health & Care Plan
EWO – Education Welfare Officer
EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage
FE – Further Education
FSM – Free School Meals
GLD – Global Learning Delay
HE – Higher Education
HI – Hearing Impairment
HLTA – Higher Level Teaching Assistant
IBP – Individual Behaviour Plan
IEP – Individual Education Plan
KS – Key Stage
LEA – Local Education Authority
LO – Local Officer
LSA – Learning Support Assistant
MAT – Multi-Academy Trust
MLD – Moderate Learning Difficulties
NQT – Newly Qualified Teacher
ODD – Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OFSTED – Office for Standards in Education
PECS – Picture Exchange Communication System
PEP – Personal Education Plan
PGCE – Postgraduate Certification of Education
PMLD – Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
PP – Pupil Premium
PPA – Planning, Preparation and Assessment
PRU – Pupil Referral Unit
QTS – Qualified Teacher Status
QTLS – Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills
SALT – Speech & Language Therapist / Therapy
SATs – Statutory Assessment Tests
SCR – Single Central Record
SEBD – Social, Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties
SEMH – Social, Emotional & Mental Health
SEND – Special Educational Needs & Disability
SENDCo – Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator
SET – Society for Education & Training
SIMS – Schools Information Management System
SLCN – Speech, Language & Communication Needs
SLD – Severe Learning Difficulties
SLT – Senior Leadership Team
SpLD – Specific Learning Difficulty
TA – Teaching Assistant
TRA – Teacher Regulation Agency
VI – Visually Impaired
YOT – Youth Offending Team
