Understanding SEN: Powertutors’ Guide to Supporting SEND

Section 20 Children and Families Act 2014 defines a child as having Special Educational Needs (SEN) if he or she “has a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special education provision to be made for him or her”.  Along with provisions in the Equality Act 2010, schools and educational institutions are now obliged to recognise these learning disabilities and make reasonable adjustments for students (such as EHCPs and inclusion in the classroom). 

Examples of SEN include: 

• Emotional and behavioural difficulties 

• Autism 

• ADD/ADHD 

• Dyslexia 

• Communication Difficulties 

• Medical conditions such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy 

• Mobility difficulties 

These conditions result in a need for a range of extra help for students such as: 

• Reading, writing, number work or understanding information 

• Phonological awareness 

• Expressing themselves  

• Understanding what others are saying 

• Behavioural issues 

• Organizing themselves 

• Sensory or physical needs 

Did you know that in January 2024, there were around 1.7 million school pupils in England with identified SEN? That is around 18% of all pupils. Out of these pupils who have been identified as SEN, approximately 1.2 million receive SEN support and only 0.4 million have and education health and care plan (EHCP). (House of Commons Library, 2025).  

Independent tutors must develop an awareness of SEN must consider the extra challenges that students with special educational needs face and adapt their expectations and teaching methods accordingly. 

 Tips for Tutors 

1. Get to know the individual – “The secret in education lies in respecting the student.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Take time to get to know the student before starting the learning process. The level of emotional sensitivity and response of students with SEN differ greatly from the mainstream student body. There is no such thing as one size fits all. The importance of listening to the needs of students with SEN, whether they have Autism, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, behavioural or emotional difficulties, is a necessity. It ensures that tutors are aware of the impact these can have on the individual’s approach to learning. Take time to identify what it is about learning that is challenging to the student. 
2. Get a copy of the EHCP – approach the parents for a copy of the student’s EHCP This will give you an overview of the professional assessment of the specific difficulties the student faces and allow you to get a solid grasp of what the school and SENCO feel are the necessary area of focus. 
3. Take regular breaks in tutoring: and often – breaks in tutoring should be often and regular. Take time to learn the signs of when the attention of SEN students begins to falter. Remember that SEN is not a cookie cutter, and everyone has their own range of difficulties, challenges and idiosyncrasies. The tutor may not be used to the spectrum of behavioural challenges the SEN may involve but remember that “The highest result of education is tolerance.” – Helen Keller. It is recommended that students with ADD/ADHD and dyslexia study often but in short time periods. “Breaking after 30 minutes of tuition helps processing and keeps them focused.  
4. Communicate – it is essential to have regular communication not just with the student but with parents and teachers at the student’s school. Keep reminding the student that one-on-0ne tutoring is not about exclusion, but about giving them the tools to enjoy inclusivity with the rest of their classmates. Keeping parents and teachers informed to the progress of the tuition is essential to creating an atmosphere of confidence in and trust of the tutor. 
5. Seek advice from other SEN professionals – working in partnerships with special needs educational individuals and other professionals ensures a collaborative yet holistic approach to mutual trust.  

At Powertutors, we understand the unique challenges students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) face and are committed to providing personalised support. Our experienced tutors are trained to adapt teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more. For additional resources on how to support SEN students, check out our SEN Tutor Resources and Tutoring Strategies for SEND Students. We also offer tailored one-on-one tutoring services, which can be found on our Tutoring Services page. By collaborating with schools and parents, we ensure a holistic approach to each student’s learning journey, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their academic potential.