What is Special Education Support and Why is it Important?
The term ‘SEN’ or ‘SEND’ (special educational needs and disabilities), is used to describe learning disabilities that make it difficult for a student to learn. It is an essential part of the education process as it provides educational assistance for students with disabilities and learning disorders. Designed to help students receive educational opportunities, it allows them to reach their full potential. Knowing what special education support is and why it is important, allows families and schools to recognise it and provide the educational support needed.
Types of learning difficulties requiring special education
There are various types including physical, cognitive, behavioural and social. Below are the most common that are found in learners with SEN needs.
Support can come in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the individual. It may include specialised learning materials such as assistive technology (braille equipment, modified software), or in the form of classroom modifications (ramps instead of steps for wheelchair users), or involve working with a specialist teacher to create personalised educational plans (a plan designed to work around the learner’s specific difficulties). SEN is essential for the success of students with specific learning needs for the below reasons:
Allows participation in the classroom
Support is essential in ensuring that every student can participate fully in the classroom. With the right accommodations, students with different abilities and learning styles can feel included and valued in their educational environments. Incorporating various teaching methods and materials can help to keep students engaged. Different learning styles, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic can be used to do this. You can read more about these on our previous blog Dyslexia Support: Strategies and Resources for Students and Teachers.
Allowing participation in the classroom is not only about accommodating differences but also about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. When all students have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive, they can maximize their potential and contribute to a more diverse and equitable classroom.
Did You Know?
Almost one in every four pupils now has SEN, with a handful of schools educating 200 or more children.
Enhances confidence and self-esteem
This kind of support plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s outlook towards life. It not only enhances their knowledge but also improves their confidence and self-esteem. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and provides them with the necessary skills to succeed in life. Knowledge gained from education not only fosters intellectual growth but also helps instill a sense of self-worth and purpose.
When individuals feel confident in their abilities and knowledge, they are more likely to pursue their goals and achieve success. This support provides a platform for individuals to explore their potential and ultimately build a strong foundation for their future.
SEN with Servisource
Servisource Education Support provides appropriately qualified and experienced Educational Support Workers (ESW).
These assist individual students with disabilities to equal access and participation during their studies in Further and Higher Education Colleges.
Servisource is in a unique position in that our department is stand alone and staff within the department work solely on requirements for our clients in educational facilities. Our technology enabled systems allow us to recruit and place the right people quickly and efficiently using an online roster completion, submission, verification, and approval system. Allowing us to provide the support right when you need it.
Builds partnerships between educators and parents
Effective support is crucial for building meaningful partnerships between educators and parents. When teachers and parents collaborate, students tend to perform better academically and behaviorally. This partnership involves strong communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility for the child’s success. Engaging parents in their child’s learning journey not only strengthens the relationship between home and school but also ensures that students receive continuous support and guidance.
It is also vital for educators to make the effort to understand the cultural backgrounds of their students’ families, be mindful in their approach and tailor it accordingly. By working together, parents and teachers can create a positive learning environment that benefits the entire educational community.
It is evident that learning support plays an incredibly important role in our educational system. It provides individuals with disabilities access to education that otherwise may not have been available. Through various teaching support methods, these learners are able to learn at their own pace and achieve success beyond what they thought possible. It can teach learners the importance of confidence and resilience and build a bond between educators and parents.
Every student who is eligible for such services should get the support they need in order to succeed academically and socially. With the right resources available, any student can reach their full potential.
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