Extra help with learning

If a child finds reading, writing, concentrating or maths much harder than their classmates, they may need extra help. These are the places that explain how support works in England.

Worth knowing

1. Start with the school. Ask to talk to the class teacher and the SENCO (the school's special educational needs co-ordinator). Support often starts in class, with no formal plan.
2. Write things down. Keep a note of what you have noticed, when you spoke to the school and what was agreed. It helps if you need to ask for more.
3. An EHC plan is for more complex needs. An education, health and care plan is a legal document for children and young people with higher needs. The charities below explain how to ask for one.

• GOV.UK: children with special educational needs and disabilities (UK government). What SEN support is, who to contact and how EHC plans work.
• IPSEA (Charity). Free legal guides, template letters and helplines on SEND law in England.
• British Dyslexia Association (Charity). A free helpline, advice for parents and downloadable factsheets on dyslexia.

General information, not medical or legal advice. Links last checked 2026-10-24.