Blog Post

Understanding the Challenges of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

March 17, 2025

As we reflect on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) within our education system, it’s essential to consider the composition of our special needs registers. What challenges are we facing, and how are these issues affecting our classrooms?

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, it’s an ideal time to focus on neurodiversity within our educational establishments. This is a topic that deserves consistent attention and reflection. However, the pressures faced by Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), senior leaders, and teachers can make it difficult to continuously stay on top of evolving knowledge and understanding. With so many competing priorities, it is often a struggle to keep up with developments in SEND education.

At SEND Group, we are committed to delivering an inclusive education that empowers achievement. Our approach is built on three key pillars: Knowledge, Support, and Resources.

Inclusive Education Powered by Knowledge, Support, and Resources

Knowledge
We provide essential training and information to help educators stay informed and confident in their understanding of SEND. Our offerings include online training, conferences, events, and guides to support educators in delivering high-quality support to students with special needs.

Read more about our knowledge offerings

Support
We offer practical tools, expert guidance, and ongoing support through articles, white papers, and activities like coffee mornings. This support helps educators improve SEND management and build a culture of collaboration in schools, ensuring students’ success and well-being.

Read more about our support services

Resources
Through our sister companies, including SEN Books, Flexitable, and Trugs, we provide targeted resources that support educators in delivering effective SEND education. These resources are designed to enhance learning experiences and provide the tools needed to meet the diverse needs of SEND students.

Read more about our resources


This Week We Are Offering Free Downloadable Resources for Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This week, we are offering free downloadable information guides on various areas of neurodiversity, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, PDA, ADHD, autism, and FASD. These resources aim to support educators in their efforts to provide the best possible learning environment for neurodiverse students. With an estimated 20% of students in a typical classroom exhibiting neurodiverse traits, understanding and applying this knowledge is critical.

To help you in your efforts, download your free neurodiversity resources now to enhance your classroom’s understanding and support for neurodiverse students. Visit this page to access your guides today!


Additional Free Download: Our SEND Governor Guide

In response to the recent updates from the Department for Education (DfE), we have created a comprehensive SEND Governor Guide. This guide is designed to help SEND Governors navigate the evolving landscape of SEND education, ensuring that they have the most up-to-date information and resources to effectively support SEND provision within schools.

Access your SEND Governor Guide here


Our Founder, Arran Smith: Free Webinar for Neurodiversity Celebration Week

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we invite you to join our free webinar, “My Journey with Neurodiversity – A Personal and Professional Perspective,” presented by our founder, Arran Smith. As a severely dyslexic entrepreneur, Arran has dedicated his career to advocating for neurodivergent individuals. In this insightful session, he will share his personal experiences with dyslexia, how his understanding of neurodiversity has evolved, and how he has used his skills to support the wider community.

Join the webinar here.