What are special educational needs and disabilities?
If child or young person up to age 25, has a condition, disability or disorder that make it harder for them to learn than most people of the same age, they’re referred to as having special educational needs (SEN). Many children and young people who have SEN may be recognised as having a disability under the Equality Act 2010.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can affect a child or young person’s:
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Behaviour or ability to socialise, for example they may struggle to make friends.
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Reading and writing, for example because they have dyslexia.
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ability to understand things.
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Concentration levels, for example because they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Physical abilities (Gov.uk, 2025).
Mencap have information about the support children and young people with SEN should get, as well as advice on how to make sure they get it.
How does Barnardo's help children with SEND?
We offer different services to support children and young people with SEND and their families in different parts of the country.
Find more information about the types of services we offer below or use our search function to find services in your area.
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services)
SENDIASS are Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services. They are free, impartial, and confidential services that every local authority in the UK has to make available. In some parts of the country, we provide this service on behalf of local authorities.
Find out about Barnardo's SENDIASS.
Residential schools
With over 150 years’ experience of supporting children and young people, we know that some need more tailored, focused support to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to run two specialist schools designed for pupils with learning difficulties, complex emotional needs, and challenging behaviour:
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Meadows School in Kent offers education and care for young people with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.
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High Close School in Berkshire supports pupils with a wide range of special educational needs (SEN), arising from complex social, emotional, behavioural and other challenges.
At both schools, we offer a broad, personalised curriculum that meets each pupil’s individual needs and supports their academic and personal development.
Our experienced and compassionate staff are there every step of the way whether pupils just attend during the day or stay overnight. We’re committed to helping every child reach their full potential in a safe, supportive learning environment.
Short break care
In some parts of the country we offer short break care, previously called respite care, giving young people an opportunity to have fun, share experiences and socialise outside of their home life.
Short break carers provide support by looking after disabled children for short stays. They give children the chance to have new experiences and develop relationships beyond their own home environment. Plus, they’re giving parents or carers a chance to recharge their batteries and spend time with other children in their family.
Our short break support includes:
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Overnight care for children in approved carers’ homes.
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Holiday leisure and activity programmes.
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After-school and Saturday clubs.
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Outreach workers.
Find out about the short break services we offer.
Advocacy and children’s rights
Advocating for children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. We don't want to speak on their behalf; we want to make sure their voices are heard.
Our advocacy services are designed to make sure that children and young people can express their views, be involved in decisions that affect them, and have their rights upheld, especially in environments that may feel overwhelming or unfamiliar.
Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may need additional support to navigate these situations. If needed, our advocates may be able to help them feel more confident, included, and respected.
Find out more about our advocacy services.
Keeping talking
Talking with your child regularly is one of the best ways to support their emotional wellbeing and keep them safe. Whether you're catching up after school or facing a more worrying moment, we've got five expert-backed tips to help you build trust, confidence, and connection.
Supporting your 10-12-year-old
It’s not easy imagining what it’s like to be a 10, 11, or 12-year-old, especially when the world has changed so much since you were that age. Our short animations talk about some of the challenges they face and ways you can help your child handle them.
Support and tips for being the best Dad you can be
Whether you go by Dada, Papa, Baba, Daddy or Tad, what matters most isn’t what your child calls you, but the relationship you build with them. We’ve got advice to guide and support you to be the best father you can be.
All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in December 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.