We've seen an increased number of requests from schools over the last year to support school pupils with SEND, and we want to support tutors in delivering impactful lessons.
What is SEND?
SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities.
The latest figures show that 17.3% of school pupils have SEND.
Some school pupils with SEND may need additional support or adjustments to help them access the curriculum and make progress alongside their peers.
It's up to educators, including schools, teachers and tutors, to adapt the support they provide to help every pupil access learning.
Different types of SEND?
There are several types of SEND, and they can affect each pupil differently.
Some of the most commonly seen types include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Pupils with ADHD may experience difficulties with focus, managing impulses, or staying organised.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pupils with autism may experience differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, or adapting to changes.
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia
These are specific learning differences that can affect areas such as reading, writing, coordination, spelling, or working with numbers.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
SEMH needs can include challenges such as anxiety, low mood, managing emotions, or behaviour that affects learning.
It's common for people to have additional needs across more than one area.
For practical guidance on supporting school pupils with SEND during lessons, see our Top tips for working with SEND pupils article.
How does MyTutor support school pupils with SEND?
Every school pupil with SEND has different needs, and online tuition may not be the right type of support for every pupil.
We work closely with schools to understand each pupil’s needs and decide whether online tutoring through the Schools Programme is the right option to support their learning.
What is an EHCP?
EHCP stands for Education, Health and Care Plan.
An EHCP is a plan created for school pupils who need additional support with their education, health or social care needs. It outlines the support that should be provided to help them access learning and make progress.
Not every school pupil with SEND will have an EHCP. Many pupils with SEND are supported through adjustments and strategies put in place by their school.
What information will I receive about a school pupil's SEND?
You may find additional information in a school pupil's profile under Learning Styles or Areas of Focus.
EHCPs contain sensitive information. If a school pupil has an EHCP, you will only have access to the sections that are relevant to supporting their learning.
This information may include:
details of a school pupil's diagnosis
information about the additional needs and support that should be put in place
This information will be shared in the pupil notes.
In some rare cases, there may not be any additional SEND information available in the pupil notes. This will usually be because the school has not shared this information with us.
How can I support a school pupil with SEND during lessons?
Every school pupil with SEND is different, so it's important to adapt your approach based on their individual needs.
Some approaches that can support many SEND pupils include:
Use clear language
Give short, clear instructions.
Ask pupils to repeat instructions back to check their understanding.
Use simple language where possible.
For example:
Instead of saying "require", use "need".
Instead of saying "attempt", use "try".
Instead of saying "observe", use "see".
Keep lessons predictable
Outline the plan at the start of the lesson.
Summarise the lesson at the end.
Preview what will be covered in the next session.
Make learning visual
Use diagrams, images and examples where helpful.
Vary the way information is presented.
Use tools such as visual timers where appropriate.
Vary the pace
Adjust the speed of activities based on the pupil's needs.
Offer a short brain break if a pupil is finding it difficult to maintain focus.
Be positive and encouraging
Celebrate successes.
Use reassuring language such as:
"I wonder if..."
"What about...?"
Try to avoid:
telling pupils to "hurry up"
saying something is "easy"
giving several questions or instructions at once
showing frustration through your tone or body language
What if there isn't any SEND information in the pupil notes?
Sometimes schools may not share additional SEND information with MyTutor.
If no SEND information is available, you can still make your lessons more accessible by getting to know how your pupil learns best.
You could ask questions such as:
"Do you like to learn things by reading, listening, or doing an activity?"
"Do you think it's easier to remember information if I show it to you in a certain way, like songs, repetition, or hands-on activities?"
"How do you like to ask for help when you're struggling with something?"
"What helps you concentrate the most during lessons?"
After each lesson, reflect on what worked well:
Did the pupil participate?
What worked best?
What could I do differently to support them better?
Use these reflections to adjust your approach in future sessions.