Areas of need in early years
Information about different types of need for children aged 0 to 5.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice arranges SEND into four broad areas of need. Children may have difficulties mainly in one area or may have a range of needs (sometimes called complex needs).
This page will explain the four areas and suggest ways to help you support your child. You may find useful advice in more than one section.
Not all children with special educational needs are disabled. At the same time, a child may be disabled but will only have special educational needs if the disability affects their learning.
Where a child or young person has a disability and/or special educational needs, there are laws and guidance to help ensure that their needs are recognised and supported.