SEND jargon buster

List of terms

We understand that some of the terms related to SEND can be confusing. Here's a list of some of the terms you might come across, along with links to a brief explanation of each one.

We've divided these terms into 2 categories:

  • People: the various roles of people who are here to help you on your SEND journey
  • Services: our teams and partners who support children and young people with SEND and their families

People

Services

People

Advocate

An advocate is someone who supports and empowers children, young people and their families to secure the educational support and rights they're entitled to.

For more information, you can visit the:

Commissioner

A commissioner is a person or body responsible for planning, funding, and making sure the delivery of services meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

This role is typically carried out by councils and NHS bodies, such as Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) or formerly Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

For more information, you can visit the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership website.

Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)

A DCO is a medical or clinical practitioner who:

  • supports the Integrated Care Board (ICB) in meeting its statutory responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014
  • coordinates health input into Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
  • ensures joined-up working between health services, education settings, and councils

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is a senior member of staff responsible for overseeing and managing safeguarding and child protection concerns.

They work in organisations such as schools, colleges, and care settings.

Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO)

A Designated Social Care Officer (DSCO) works for the council to make sure children and young people with SEND receive appropriate and coordinated social care support.

Educational Psychologist (EP)

Educational Psychologists (EPs) are trained professionals who:

  • use psychological theory and evidence-based practice to understand and support children
  • work with parents, carers, schools, and other agencies to promote inclusion and improve outcomes
  • help identify barriers to learning, emotional wellbeing, and social development
  • contribute to Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments

Find more information about the Stockport Educational Psychology Service.

EHCP Coordinator

An EHCP Coordinator is a key member of the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Assessment and Review team.

Their role is to manage and support the statutory processes involved in assessing and reviewing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with SEND.

Head of SEND

Chris Harland is the Head of SEND, Access and Admissions in Stockport. He was appointed in August 2025 and has a strong background in managing school places, transport and admissions in Stockport.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

A Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) plays a critical role in safeguarding children, including those with SEND.

Find more information about contacting the LADO.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

An Occupational Therapist (OT) helps children with physical, sensory, or motor skill challenges to participate in everyday activities.

The Stockport NHS Children’s Occupational Therapy service is a specialist service for children with a Stockport GP from 0 to 16 years old, or up to June of year 11 (year 14 if they attend a special school).

Find more information about Children’s Occupational Therapy.

Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

A teacher responsible for overseeing SEND provision in a school.

Find more information about the role of the SENCO.

Speech and Language Therapist

A Speech and Language Therapist supports children with communication or swallowing difficulties.

Stockport’s Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) services support children with:

  • speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN)
  • feeding and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

They use a framework called the Balanced System, which provides support at 3 levels:

  • universal: general advice and resources
  • targeted: support for children at risk of delay
  • specialist: direct therapy for complex needs

Find more information about:

Teaching assistant (TA)

A teaching assistant (TA) is a member of school staff who works under the direction of the class teacher to help children with their learning or behaviour.

Services

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It's an NHS service that supports children with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.

For more information, you can visit the NHS Pennine Care website.

Children with Disabilities (CWD)

The Children with Disabilities (CWD) Service in Stockport is a specialist team within Stockport Council that supports children and young people who have substantial and long-term disabilities or complex health needs that are severe or profound.

Find more information about the Children with Disabilities (CWD) team.

Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment

An EHC needs assessment is a way to find out what extra help a child or young person might need with learning. It looks at their education, health, and care needs. You might need an EHC needs assessment if you:

  • are under 25 years old
  • have or think you have a special educational need or disability
  • cannot get the support you need in school or education

Find more information about the Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment process.

Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP)

A legal document outlining a child’s special educational needs, the support they require, and outcomes expected. Created after an EHC needs assessment.

Find more information about Education, Health and Care needs assessments and plans.

Family Hubs

Family Hubs offer:

  • support from pregnancy to young adulthood, including:
    • midwifery
    • parenting
    • mental health
    • SEND
    • drug and alcohol misuse
    • benefits
    • employment
  • activities and events; regular sessions like music and movement for young children, quiet museum openings, and more
  • community-based and online access; services are available at physical hubs and via the One Stockport Family Hubs app

No referral is needed. You can walk in or access services online.

Find more information about Family Hubs.

Hearing and Vision Specialist Service

The Hearing and Vision Specialist Service provides specialist intervention and support to babies, children and young people who:

  • have a permanent or long term hearing loss or are deaf
  • have vision impairment
  • have multi-sensory impairment

Find more information about the Hearing and Vision Specialist Service.

Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH)

The MASSH in Stockport stands for the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub. It's the single point of contact for both the public and professionals to:

  • report concerns about a child’s welfare or safety
  • request advice or guidance
  • share information about a child or family
  • make referrals to services such as the Emotional Wellbeing Hub or SEND Hub

Find more information about contacting the MASSH.

Parent carer forum

A parent carer forum is a representative local group of parents and carers of disabled children who work with councils, education, health and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children and families.

Parents and Carers Together Stockport (PACTS) is Stockport’s official local parent carer forum, run by parents for parents, carers, grandparents, and family members of children and young people (aged 0 to 25) with SEND or any additional needs.

For more information, you can visit the Parents and Carers Together Stockport website.

Portage

The Portage service in Stockport is part of the Start Well team, supporting pre-school children (under 3 years old) with SEND and their families.

Find more information about the Portage service.

Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)

SEMH refers to a broad range of needs that children and young people may experience which affect their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and ability to engage in learning and relationships.

Stockport offers a range of SEMH support services including:

SEN support

SEN support is the first level of extra help provided in schools and education settings for pupils with special educational needs. It's part of the graduated approach outlined in the SEND code of practice 2015.

SEN support follows a 4-part cycle. These 4 parts are:

  • Assess: understanding the child’s needs
  • Plan: creating a support plan with input from parents/carers and professionals
  • Do: putting the plan into action
  • Review: evaluating the effectiveness and adjusting as needed

Find more information about SEN support in schools and education settings.

SEND

SEND stands for special educational needs and disabilities.

SEND Local Offer

The Local Offer, published by every council, tells you what support is available for children and young people with SEND and their families.

It includes information about education, health and care provision. It also gives information about training, employment and independent living for young people with SEND.

Find more information about the SEND Local Offer.

SENDIASS

SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service.

It’s a service available in every local authority, including Stockport, designed to support:

  • parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND
  • young people aged 16 to 25 with SEND, who can access the service independently

For more information, you can visit the Together Trust website.

Short breaks

The short breaks service in Stockport provides a range of opportunities for children and young people with SEND to enjoy time away from their usual routine, while giving families a chance to rest and recharge.

Find more information about short breaks.

Last updated 16 December 2025