SEND glossary and jargon

A list of commonly used words and abbreviations often used when talking about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Abbreviation Explanation
ALN Additional Learning Need
AAP Average Attaining Pupil
ABA Applied Behavioural Analysis
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADOS Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
AP Alternative Provision
AR Annual Review
ARE Age Related Expectation
ARP Additional Resourced Provision
ASC Autism Spectrum Condition
ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASDAN Award Scheme Development Accreditation Network
AWPU Age-Weighted Pupil Unit
BAS British Ability Scales
BEST Behaviour and Education Support Team
BSP Behaviour Support Plan
CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CAF Common Assessment Framework
CARS Childhood Autism Rating Scale
CBRS Connor Comprehensive Behaviour Rating Scales
CELF Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals
C and I Communication and Interaction
CIN Child in Need
CFA Children and Families Act 2014
CHAT Comprehensive Health Assessment Tool
C and L Cognition and Learning
CYPS Children and Young People's Services
DD Disability discrimination
DBS Disclosure and Barring Service
DDA Disability Discrimination Act
DfE Department for Education
DLA Disability Living Allowance
DSA Disabled Students Allowance
DSL Designated Safeguarding Lead
EAL English as an Additional Language
EFA Education Funding Agency
EHCAR Education Health Care Assessment Request
EHCP Education Health Care Plan
EP Educational Psychologist
ESFA Education and Skills Funding Agency
EWO Education Welfare Officer
EYFS Early Years Foundation Stage
EYSP The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile
FE Further Education
FTT First Tier Tribunal
GCSE General Certificate of Secondary Education
GTP Graduate Teacher Programme
HI Hearing Impaired
HE Higher Education
IASS Information, Advice and Support Service
IBP Individual Behaviour Plan
IDAS Independent Domestic Abuse Services
IEP Individual Education Plan
ICB Integrated Care Board
IELTS International English Language Testing System
IMT Inclusion Management Team
IPP Individual Pupil Profile
iQ Intelligence Quotient
IRO Independent Reviewing Officer
JR Judicial Review
JSNA Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
LA Local Authority
LAC Looked After Child (children)
LEA Local Education Authority
LEP Local Enterprise Partnership
LGO Local Government Ombudsman
LO Local Offer
LSA/TA Learning Support Assistant/ Teaching Assistant
MAT Multi-agency Team
NEET Not in Employment Education or Training
NDTI National Development Team for Inclusion
ODD Oppositional Defiant Disorder
OT Occupational Therapist
PAN Published Admissions Number
PCV Parent Carer Voice
PDA Pathological Demand Avoidance
PECS Picture Exchange Communications System
PEP Personal Education Plan
PfA Preparation for Adulthood
POSCH Parents and Carers of Special Children
PRS Pupil Referral Service
PSP Pastoral Support Plan
PT Physiotherapists
RYPP Respect Young People's Programme
SALT/SLT Speech and Language Therapists
SEAL Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning
SEMH Social Emotional Mental Health
SEN Special Educational Needs
SEND Special Educational Needs and Disability
SENCO Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
SENDIASS Special Educational Need and Disability Information, Advice and support Service.
SENDIST Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
SIP School Improvement Plan
SMART Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely
TAF Team Around the Family
TMP Targeted Mainstream Provision
UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
VI Visually Impaired
WIATT Wechsler Individual Achievement Test
WPPSI Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence
WISC Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
YJS Youth Justice Service
YOT Youth Offending Team