School has suggested my child goes on the SEN register. What does that mean? Do I have to say yes?

Being added to the SEN register simply means the school has formally recognised that your child needs support that is additional to, or different from, what is provided to most children their age. It is an internal record, not a diagnosis and not a label that follows your child for life.

Practically, it usually means the school will put a short plan in place describing what they will do, what outcomes they are aiming for, and when they will review progress with you. This is called SEN support and sits within the graduated 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' approach used across England.

You do not have to agree, and your child cannot be placed on the register without your knowledge. In most cases, though, saying yes is helpful rather than harmful. It means concerns are written down, support is more likely to be consistent, and there is an evidence trail if more formal support is needed later.

Good questions to ask before agreeing: What specifically have you observed? What support will be put in place? What outcomes are we working towards? When and how will we review? Will this affect how my child is taught, grouped or spoken to?

If you are unsure, ask for the plan in writing and take a few days to think it through. Being on the SEN register opens doors to support, it does not close any.