A SEND Glossary: 90 common SEND terms explained

Whether you are new to SEND or have been around for many years, you’ll know that jargon is very common. That’s why a SEND glossary is needed on your school’s website – so that everyone can grasp the jargon, for example:

A school does not have to provide a guide to the SEND terms they use. However, it is good practice.

However, if your school doesn’t, then we are here to help. Our glossary gives you over 90 of the most common SEND terms, starting with accessibility plans, adaptive teaching and ADHD. It’s ideal for families, governors and staff at schools across England.

Do people read the SEND glossary cover to cover, or keep it as a guide?

It’s up to the reader. Both options will help them in SEND meetings and when reading documents about your pupils.

Inclusive features of the SEND Glossary

Information should be as accessible as possible and this guide is as accessible as we could make it, including:

The guide stays true to the content but also has a reading age of 12 years old. This makes the guide an ideal tool for everybody, including people who struggle with reading or who speak English as an additional language (EAL).

Best of all – it costs nothing. We simply ask that you give credit and don’t pass this work off as your own.

There is a some editing needed because some SEND services have different names in each area (e.g. autism support teams). If you are a SENCo, then you can tweak the guide to reflect your local services.

Get the free guide in Microsoft Word format (133kb) to use in your school or academy.

I’m a parent or governor. At SEND meetings, can I ask what things mean?

Yes. There are many different types of SEND and the guide doesn’t include every condition that might affect pupils.

Therefore, we all can still be confused in meetings. We ask ourselves “Should I know that already?” or “What will people think if I ask?”

It is always fine for parents, family members and governors to ask. After all, there is a lot of jargon. Remember that even SENCos need to ask about SEND terms sometimes (e.g. RPI). There is a saying that the only bad question is the one that’s not been asked.

We hope that the free glossary helps everyone to navigate through the SEND maze.

More great reads

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  • Aaron King, Director

    With 25 years as an educator and school leader in mainstream and SEND settings, Aaron is the driving force behind 9000lives.

    Aaron has been published in various publications on inclusion, SEND and leadership topics. He has also been a governor for 16 years.

  • Aaron King, Director of 9000 Lives
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    director@9000lives.org

    0788 42 42 719