About the Local Offer

Children learn at different speeds and in different ways, and teachers account for this when preparing lessons. However, some children still find it much harder to learn than others of the same age and may need extra help. This may be due to difficulties with:

• Reading, writing, number work, or understanding information
• Expressing themselves or understanding what is being said to them
• Organising themselves
• Understanding and following rules and routines
• Making friends or relating to adults
• A medical condition
• A sensory need such as difficulty with seeing or hearing

These children are said to have special educational needs. (This does not include children who have trouble keeping up because their first language is not English). The Department for Education publishes a code of practice for schools and councils on how to help children and young people with SEND.

If you're worried, talk to the manager of your child’s nursery or pre-school or your child’s teacher/Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) at school. Health or care professionals may also identify special educational needs or disability. If a professional thinks your child has SEND, they must tell you and inform us.

Ordinarily available provision in London Borough of Waltham Forest 2023 to 2024