Course description

Many children in care have special educational needs or disabilities, and the system around them can feel like a maze. This course explains how SEND support works in England and gives you practical ways to support children fairly and confidently, at school and at home.

Across five short modules you will learn what SEND means and the four broad areas of need in the SEND Code of Practice; the difference between SEN support and an education, health and care (EHC) plan, including key timescales; who counts as a 'parent' under SEND law for a child in care; how to work with the SENCO, designated teacher, Virtual School and PEP; your rights around exclusion, mediation and the SEND Tribunal; and where SEND reform stands as of September 2026.

The course also takes a cultural lens, looking at how SEND is identified unequally across groups, how behaviour can be misread, and how to work respectfully with families. At home, you will explore routines, sensory needs, transitions, record keeping and looking after yourself.

Designed for foster and kinship carers, social workers, residential care staff, fostering panel members and other professionals, including SENCOs and teachers. Includes realistic scenarios, interactive activities, an 'In Your Role' section, a final quiz and a printable A4 certificate. About 13 minutes of narration, plus activities.

What will i learn?

• Explain what SEND means and the four broad areas of need
• Understand SEN support, EHC needs assessments, EHC plans and the key timescales
• Know who acts as the 'parent' for a child in care, and how to work with the SENCO, designated teacher and Virtual School
• Recognise how bias and misread behaviour can shape assessment, and challenge unfair exclusion
• Use practical strategies at home for routines, transitions, records and self-care
• Receive a downloadable A4 certificate of completion when you pass the final quiz

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