How Do I Know If My Child Is on the SEN Register?

Many parents worry about their child’s progress or wellbeing at school and feel unsure about what support their child is receiving behind the scenes. If you are trying to understand how the SEN (Special Educational Needs) system works, or whether your child is officially on the SEN register, you are in the right place.

You might have noticed your child finding things harder than expected, coming home tired or upset, or receiving extra help in lessons without much explanation. Wanting clear answers is completely natural.

This guide is here to reassure you and give you practical information. We’ll explain what the SEN register is, how schools decide who goes on it, how to find out whether your child is included, and what support they should receive. We will also highlight what to do if you feel your child’s needs are not being recognised, so you can work with the school with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• The SEN register is a record that schools use to identify pupils who need extra support so their learning can be monitored and planned for properly.

• Schools are expected to inform you if your child is added to the register.

• You can confirm your child’s status by speaking to their class teacher or SENCO and requesting details of the support in place.

• If you feel your child has additional needs but is not on the register, you can ask for a meeting, request an assessment, and share your concerns at any time.

What Is the SEN Register?

The SEN register is a list kept by schools in England to record pupils who need extra help because of a special educational need. These needs may relate to learning, communication, physical development or emotional wellbeing.

Being on the SEN register does not mean a diagnosis. It simply shows that your child needs support beyond day-to-day classroom teaching.

Children may be added for reasons such as:

• difficulties with reading, writing or maths

• speech, language or communication needs

• attention or concentration challenges

• social, emotional or mental health needs

• sensory or physical needs

• autistic spectrum conditions

Schools should normally let you know if your child is added, but in practice, this may not always happen. Asking for confirmation is always appropriate.

How Do Schools Decide Who Goes on the SEN Register?

Schools use a process called the graduated response. This helps them to identify needs early and plan support that genuinely makes a difference. 

The four steps are:

1. Assess

Teachers and the SENCO gather information about your child’s progress, behaviour, strengths and areas of difficulty.

2. Plan

A support plan is agreed. This could involve classroom strategies, interventions, or advice from outside professionals.

3. Do

Staff put the agreed support in place and monitor how your child responds.

4. Review

Parents are invited to discuss progress and next steps. Support may be adjusted or increased if needed.

A child is usually added to the SEN register if they continue to struggle despite good-quality teaching and early interventions. This ensures they receive structured, trackable support rather than occasional extra help.

How to Find Out If Your Child Is on the SEN Register

If you’re a parent wondering, “How do I know if my child is on the SEN register?”, the good news is that schools should be able to confirm this quickly. You can follow these steps.

Who to Speak To

1. Your child’s class teacher or form tutor

Start with a gentle conversation. You could say: “I’d like to understand what support my child is receiving. Can you tell me whether they are on the SEN register?”

Teachers can often explain what support is already in place.

2. The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

The SENCO manages the SEN register and can confirm your child’s status immediately. They can also explain:

• why your child was added

• what type of support is planned

• how progress will be monitored

• when review meetings will take place

If you prefer to write rather than speak in person, you might email: “Please could you confirm whether my child is currently on the SEN register and share details of the support in place?”

3. School policies and reports

Some schools mention SEN status in:

• end-of-year reports

• parent consultation notes

• SEN information reports on their website

What Information You’re Entitled To

Schools must tell you:

• whether your child is on the SEN register

• their primary area of need

• the support they are receiving

• how progress will be monitored

• when review meetings will take place 

How You Should Expect to Be Involved

Parents should be:

• informed when a child is added to the register

• invited to review meetings at least three times a year

• able to share concerns, insights and goals

• involved in decisions about support

If this has not happened yet, the school should correct that once you ask.

What Support Should My Child Get If They’re on the SEN Register?

If your child is on the SEN register, they should receive SEN Support (opens in a new tab). This means the school follows the graduated approach set out in the SEND Code of Practice to remove barriers to learning and help your child make steady progress.

Support usually includes:

1. High-quality, differentiated classroom teaching

Teachers adapt lessons so your child can participate. This may involve clearer instructions, visual supports, scaffolded tasks or alternative ways to record work.

2. Targeted interventions

If classroom strategies are not enough, your child may receive extra support such as reading or maths programmes, speech and language work, motor skills practice or wellbeing interventions.

3. Support from trained staff

This could include teaching assistants, pastoral staff, specialist teachers, or external professionals such as speech and language therapists.

4. A clear plan of support

Most schools will create a written plan which may be referred to as an SEN Support Plan, a Pupil Passport or, in some cases, an IEP (Individual Education Plan). This document outlines your child’s needs, the support being provided and the goals they are working towards.

5. Regular review meetings

At least once a term, you will meet with the SENCO and teacher to discuss progress and next steps. Your insight is an important part of these conversations.

6. Adjustments in assessments

Schools may trial rest breaks, extra time or a reader where appropriate. These help build a picture of what your child may need in formal exams later on.

What If My Child Has Needs but Isn’t on the Register?

Sometimes parents feel that something isn’t quite right long before a child is formally added to the SEN register. You might notice your child struggling with homework, becoming anxious about school or finding certain tasks harder than classmates. 

Even if your child is not currently on the SEN register, you can ask for support at any time. Here are helpful steps to take:

1. Share your concerns early

Ask to meet with the teacher or SENCO and provide specific examples of what you notice at home.

2. Ask what support can be put in place now

Schools can offer short-term interventions or classroom adjustments even before adding a child to the SEN register.

3. Request assessments if appropriate

You can request learning assessments, speech and language evaluations, or referrals to external specialists. A diagnosis is not required for SEN support.

4. Keep a simple record at home

Record patterns, triggers, strengths and communication from school in a notebook. This helps build a clear picture and can be very useful in future review meetings.

5. Agree on a review date

Check when the school will review progress and decide whether inclusion on the SEN register is appropriate.

Do Parents Have to Consent to SEN Register Inclusion?

Schools do not need formal written consent to add a child to the SEN register, but they must involve you in the process. 

You should expect the school to:

• explain what they have noticed and why they think your child needs SEN support

• tell you if they plan to add your child to the SEN register

• outline the type of support they are proposing

• give you space to share your own concerns and views

• answer any questions you have, without rushing you

If this has not happened yet, it is absolutely appropriate to ask the SENCO to walk you through the reasoning and what it means for your child. You are a key part of the support process, and your insight matters.

What Happens After a Child Is Placed on the SEN Register?

Once a child is placed on the SEN register, the school must take a structured approach to support. This usually involves:

• a clear support plan

• classroom adaptations

• targeted interventions if needed

• termly review meetings with parents

• involving external specialists where appropriate

If progress remains limited despite strong SEN Support, the school or family may consider requesting an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment (opens in a new tab). This is a formal process that examines your child’s education, health and social care needs in more depth. If the EHC Needs assessment shows that your child needs more help than a school can provide through SEN Support alone, they may receive an EHC Plan. This is a legal document setting out the exact support your child must receive.

Being on the SEN register ensures your child’s needs are recognised, recorded and reviewed so they do not struggle without support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be told if my child is on the SEN register?

Yes, you should be. Schools are expected to inform parents when a child is added to the SEN register and explain the support planned. 

If you are unsure, it is completely appropriate to ask the SENCO or your child’s teacher for confirmation.

Can a child be removed from the SEN register?

Yes. If your child no longer needs SEN Support, the school may remove them from the register after reviewing progress with you.

Does being on the SEN register affect GCSEs or school placement?

No. The SEN register does not affect GCSE entries or school admissions. Exam access arrangements are decided separately and must be based on evidence of need.

Final Thoughts

If you are unsure whether your child is on the SEN register, remember that you are not alone and it is always okay to ask for clarity. The register exists to make sure children get the proper support at the right time.

Open communication with the school is key. Your questions, observations and instincts matter, and working together is the best way to ensure your child feels confident and supported in their learning.

With the right support in place, children can make real progress and thrive. Save My Exams is trusted by 2 million students and parents to help you get the best possible grades, with less effort and no overwhelm.

References:

• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): Special educational needs support - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): Extra help - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)