Awareverse Acronym Dictionary

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, energy, organisation and executive functioning.

ADOS

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

An autism assessment tool used by some clinicians as part of a wider assessment.

ADP

Adult Disability Payment

A Scottish disability benefit for disabled adults. It has replaced PIP for most new adult disability claims in Scotland.

ALN

Additional Learning Needs

The Welsh term for children and young people who need extra learning support. Wales uses ALN and IDPs rather than the English EHCP system.

ALNCo

Additional Learning Needs Coordinator

The person in a Welsh school or setting who coordinates support for pupils with additional learning needs.

ALP

Additional Learning Provision

In Wales, this means the extra learning provision a child or young person needs because of their additional learning needs.

Annual Review

Annual Review of an EHCP

A formal review of an Education, Health and Care Plan. It should look at progress, needs, provision, outcomes and placement.

Watch for: The meeting is not the whole process. The local authority must make a decision after the review about keeping, changing or ending the EHCP.

AP

Alternative Provision

Education arranged outside mainstream school, often because a child needs a different setting or cannot currently manage mainstream provision.

Watch for: Alternative provision should not become a hidden exclusion or a way to avoid proper SEND support.

APDR

Assess, Plan, Do, Review

The graduated approach cycle used to identify needs, plan support, put it in place and review whether it is working.

Watch for: Schools may say they are doing APDR, but there should be clear written evidence of what was assessed, planned, done and reviewed.

ARFID

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

A serious eating or feeding difficulty that can involve sensory issues, fear, anxiety, limited safe foods or distress around eating.

ASC

Autism Spectrum Condition

Another term for autism. Some people prefer ASC because it avoids the word disorder.

ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder

A clinical term often used for autism. Many people simply prefer autism or autistic.

ASL

Additional Support for Learning

The Scottish system and language around support for children and young people who need help with learning.

ASN

Additional Support Needs

A Scottish term for children and young people who need extra support to access or benefit from education.

AT

Assistive Technology

Technology that helps someone communicate, learn, access information or manage daily tasks.

BSL

British Sign Language

A visual language used by many deaf people in the UK.

CAFCASS

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service

A service that advises the family court in England about children’s welfare in family cases.

CAMHS

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

NHS mental health services for children and young people.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

A talking therapy that looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

CCE

Child Criminal Exploitation

When a child or young person is manipulated, pressured or forced into criminal activity.

CCG

Clinical Commissioning Group

An older NHS commissioning body. In England, CCGs have been replaced by ICBs, but the term may still appear in older paperwork.

CDOP

Child Death Overview Panel

A panel that reviews child deaths to identify learning and possible service improvements.

CFA 2014

Children and Families Act 2014

A major law in England covering SEND duties, EHCPs and support for children and families.

CHC

Continuing Healthcare

NHS funded care for adults with significant ongoing health needs. For children, you may see continuing care instead.

CiN

Child in Need

A child who needs extra support from children’s services under section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

CLA

Child Looked After

A child who is in the care of the local authority. Also called a looked after child or LAC.

CME

Child Missing Education

Used when a child is not receiving suitable education and is not on a school roll or otherwise known to be educated.

CP

Child Protection

Safeguarding action where there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm.

CPA

Care Programme Approach

An older mental health planning system used for some people with complex mental health needs. It may still appear in records.

CPP

Child Protection Plan

A formal plan made when professionals believe a child needs protection from significant harm.

CQC

Care Quality Commission

The regulator for health and adult social care services in England.

CSC

Children’s Social Care

Council children’s services that deal with child welfare, family support, child protection and children in care.

CSP

Coordinated Support Plan

A Scottish statutory support plan for some children and young people with significant additional support needs involving more than one agency.

CYP

Children and Young People

A general term used by schools, councils, health services and support organisations.

CYPMHS

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services

Another name for children’s mental health services. Similar to CAMHS.

DBS

Disclosure and Barring Service

A checking service used for people working with children or vulnerable adults.

DfE

Department for Education

The government department responsible for education in England.

DLA

Disability Living Allowance

A disability benefit for children who need more care, supervision or mobility support than other children their age.

DoLS

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Safeguards used when an adult who lacks capacity is deprived of liberty in a care home or hospital.

Draft EHCP

Draft Education, Health and Care Plan

A proposed EHCP issued before the final plan. Parents or young people can comment and request changes.

Watch for: Check Sections B and F carefully. Vague wording in draft plans often becomes weak support later.

DSL

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The person in a school or organisation responsible for safeguarding concerns.

DWP

Department for Work and Pensions

The government department responsible for benefits such as PIP, DLA, ESA and Universal Credit.

EAL

English as an Additional Language

Used when a child uses or is exposed to another language as well as English.

EBD

Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

An older term sometimes used for pupils with emotional or behavioural needs.

EBSA

Emotionally Based School Avoidance

A term used when a child has severe emotional distress around attending school. It is not the same as simple refusal.

Watch for: Calling it refusal can blame the child. Ask what anxiety, sensory, trauma, bullying, unmet SEND or safety issues have been considered.

EH

Early Help

Support offered to a child or family before things reach crisis level or statutory social care involvement.

EHA

Early Help Assessment

A form or process used to identify what support a child or family may need before things escalate.

EHC

Education, Health and Care

Used in phrases like EHC plan and EHC needs assessment.

EHCNA

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment

The assessment process used in England to decide whether a child or young person needs an EHCP.

Watch for: The threshold is whether the child may have special educational needs and may need an EHCP, not whether the school has already tried everything.

EHCP

Education, Health and Care Plan

A legal plan in England setting out a child or young person’s special educational needs, support, outcomes and placement.

Watch for: An EHCP is not just a support document. Section F should specify the special educational provision clearly enough to be enforced.

EHCP Sections

Sections of an Education, Health and Care Plan

EHCPs are split into sections, including needs, outcomes, provision and placement.

Watch for: Families are often told the whole EHCP matters, but Sections B, F and I are especially important in many disputes.

EHE

Elective Home Education

When a parent chooses to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school.

EMHP

Education Mental Health Practitioner

A practitioner who may work with schools and mental health support teams to support children and young people.

EOTAS

Education Otherwise Than At School

Education arranged outside school when school is not suitable or possible. Often linked to EHCPs.

Watch for: EOTAS is often misunderstood. It usually matters whether education in a school is suitable or possible, especially where an EHCP is involved.

EP

Educational Psychologist

A psychologist who assesses learning, development, emotional needs and educational support.

ESA

Employment and Support Allowance

A benefit for some people who have limited ability to work because of illness or disability.

ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages

English language support for people whose first language is not English.

EWO

Education Welfare Officer

A council or school linked officer who may become involved with attendance concerns.

FASD

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

A lifelong condition caused by alcohol exposure before birth.

FBA

Functional Behaviour Assessment

A process used to understand what a behaviour may be communicating, avoiding, seeking or responding to.

FE

Further Education

Education after compulsory school age, such as college courses, vocational learning and some sixth form provision.

Final EHCP

Final Education, Health and Care Plan

The completed legal EHCP issued by the local authority. This is the version that can usually be appealed.

Watch for: Appeal deadlines usually run from the final plan decision letter. Do not wait too long if sections or placement are wrong.

FOI

Freedom of Information

A legal route to request recorded information from public bodies.

FTT

First Tier Tribunal

A tribunal level that hears certain appeals. SEND appeals are heard in the First Tier Tribunal SEND jurisdiction.

GA

Graduated Approach

A cycle of assess, plan, do and review used by schools to identify needs, put support in place and check whether it is working.

GDPR

General Data Protection Regulation

Data protection rules about how personal information is used and stored. In the UK, this is usually referred to as UK GDPR.

GIRFEC

Getting It Right For Every Child

A Scottish approach to supporting children and young people’s wellbeing.

GP

General Practitioner

Your family doctor.

HI

Hearing Impairment

Used when someone has hearing loss or hearing related needs.

HMRC

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

The government department dealing with tax, child benefit and some payments.

IASS

Information, Advice and Support Service

A local service that gives SEND information and advice to children, young people and parents.

ICB

Integrated Care Board

An NHS organisation responsible for planning health services in a local area.

ICO

Information Commissioner’s Office

The UK body that deals with data protection complaints and information rights.

IDP

Individual Development Plan

In Wales, this is the legal plan for a child or young person with additional learning needs.

IEP

Individual Education Plan

A school support plan for a pupil. Some schools still use them, but they are not the same as an EHCP.

IHP

Individual Healthcare Plan

A plan setting out medical or health support needed in school.

IMCA

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

An advocate who can support some people who lack capacity and have no suitable person to represent them.

IMHA

Independent Mental Health Advocate

An advocate who supports some people detained or treated under mental health law.

IPP

Individual Provision Plan

A plan showing what support or provision a child should receive. Meaning can vary between schools and areas, so ask them to explain it.

ISP

Individual Support Plan

A support plan used by some schools or services. Meaning can vary.

JSA

Jobseeker’s Allowance

A benefit for some people who are unemployed and looking for work.

KCSIE

Keeping Children Safe in Education

Statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges in England.

KS1

Key Stage 1

The school stage in England usually covering Years 1 and 2.

KS2

Key Stage 2

The school stage in England usually covering Years 3 to 6.

KS3

Key Stage 3

The school stage in England usually covering Years 7 to 9.

KS4

Key Stage 4

The school stage in England usually covering Years 10 and 11.

LA

Local Authority

The council responsible for education, SEND, social care and other local duties.

Watch for: Schools often blame the local authority, and local authorities often blame schools. Ask who actually holds the duty for the decision being discussed.

LAC

Looked After Child

A child who is in the care of the local authority. Also called CLA.

LADO

Local Authority Designated Officer

The person or team dealing with allegations against adults who work with children.

Watch for: LADO involvement does not automatically mean a crime has happened. It means an allegation or concern about an adult working with children needs proper handling.

LCW

Limited Capability for Work

A benefit category meaning someone has limited ability to work.

LCWRA

Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity

A higher benefit support category under Universal Credit or ESA.

LDA

Learning Difficulty Assessment

An older education assessment for some young people, largely replaced by EHCPs in England.

LGSCO

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

The body that investigates complaints about councils and some social care issues.

LO

Local Offer

A local authority webpage or directory explaining SEND services, support and provision in the area.

MARF

Multi Agency Referral Form

A form used in some areas to make a safeguarding or children’s services referral.

MASH

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub

A team where agencies share information about safeguarding concerns.

Watch for: MASH processes vary by area. A referral being screened out does not always mean the concern was unimportant.

MCA

Mental Capacity Act

Law about decision making when someone may lack capacity to make a specific decision.

MDT

Multi Disciplinary Team

A group of professionals from different services working together.

Mediation Certificate

SEND Mediation Certificate

A certificate usually needed before some SEND appeals can be lodged, even if mediation itself is not used.

Watch for: Do not confuse getting mediation advice with agreeing to mediation. The certificate is often the key appeal step.

MHA

Mental Health Act

Law covering assessment, treatment and rights for people with serious mental health needs in certain circumstances.

MLD

Moderate Learning Difficulty

A term used for learning difficulties that affect access to learning and progress.

MR

Mandatory Reconsideration

The first challenge stage for many benefit decisions before appeal.

ND

Neurodivergent

A person whose brain works differently from what is considered typical, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or Tourette’s.

NHS

National Health Service

The UK public health service.

NICE

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

An organisation that produces health and care guidance.

NT

Neurotypical

A person whose brain development and processing is considered typical.

ODD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A diagnosis sometimes used for patterns of angry, defiant or oppositional behaviour. Some families feel this label misses underlying needs.

Ofsted

Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills

The body that inspects schools and some children’s services in England.

OT

Occupational Therapist

A professional who supports daily living skills, sensory needs, independence and functional ability.

PB

Personal Budget

Money identified to help deliver support, sometimes linked to an EHCP, social care or health support.

PBS

Positive Behaviour Support

An approach that tries to understand behaviour, reduce distress and improve quality of life by changing support and environment.

PCP

Person Centred Planning

Planning that starts with the person’s views, needs, strengths, goals and life context.

PDA

Pathological Demand Avoidance or Persistent Drive for Autonomy

A profile often linked with autism where demands can trigger extreme anxiety, loss of autonomy or resistance.

PECS

Picture Exchange Communication System

A communication approach using pictures or symbols to help someone express needs, choices and ideas.

PEP

Personal Education Plan

A plan for the education of a looked after child.

Phase Transfer

Phase Transfer Review

A review and decision process when a child with an EHCP moves between key stages or settings, such as primary to secondary.

Watch for: Phase transfer has specific decision deadlines. It should not be left until the last minute.

PIP

Personal Independence Payment

A disability benefit for adults who need help with daily living or mobility because of a long term condition or disability.

PLP

Personal Learning Plan

A learning plan used by some schools or services. Meaning varies, so ask what it means locally.

PR

Permanent Residence or Parental Responsibility

This acronym can mean different things. In family contexts it often means parental responsibility. Always ask what is meant.

PRU

Pupil Referral Unit

A type of alternative provision for pupils who are not in mainstream school.

Watch for: A PRU placement should not be used as a dumping ground. Ask what education, support, review and reintegration plan is in place.

PSHE

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

School learning about wellbeing, relationships, health, safety, money and life skills.

PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A mental health condition that can develop after trauma.

QFT

Quality First Teaching

Good classroom teaching that should be accessible and responsive to pupils’ needs before or alongside extra interventions.

Watch for: Quality First Teaching should not be used as a reason to avoid targeted support where a child needs more.

Refusal to Assess

Refusal to Carry Out an EHC Needs Assessment

When a local authority refuses to assess a child or young person for an EHCP after a request.

Watch for: The legal test is lower than many families are told. The issue is whether the child may have SEN and may need an EHCP.

Refusal to Issue

Refusal to Issue an EHCP

When a local authority assesses but decides not to issue an EHCP.

Watch for: A refusal after assessment can be appealed. Check whether the evidence actually shows provision beyond ordinary SEN support is needed.

ROA

Record of Advice

Written advice or reports gathered during an EHC needs assessment from professionals, parents, the child or young person and others.

Watch for: If professional advice is vague, the EHCP may become vague too. Check whether advice clearly identifies needs and provision.

RSD

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Intense emotional pain or distress linked to perceived rejection, criticism or failure. Often discussed with ADHD.

S17

Section 17 Children Act 1989

The legal basis for Child in Need support from children’s services.

Watch for: Section 17 is support, not an accusation. It should focus on what the child and family need.

S47

Section 47 Children Act 1989

The legal basis for child protection enquiries where there is reasonable cause to suspect significant harm.

Watch for: Section 47 is more serious than Early Help or Child in Need. Ask what the concern is and what process is being followed.

SALT

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language therapy support. People also write SaLT when referring to the therapist.

Watch for: In EHCPs, speech and language therapy can be educational provision if it supports communication and access to learning.

SaLT

Speech and Language Therapist

A professional who supports speech, language, communication and sometimes swallowing or feeding.

SAR

Subject Access Request

A request for personal data held about you or your child.

SATS

Standard Assessment Tests

Tests used in schools in England, often at the end of primary school stages.

School Refusal

School Refusal

A commonly used phrase for non attendance, but it can wrongly suggest the child is simply choosing not to attend.

Watch for: This wording can hide distress, anxiety, unmet SEND, bullying, trauma or sensory overload. EBSA may be more accurate.

SCP

Safeguarding Children Partnership

A local safeguarding partnership involving key agencies responsible for child safeguarding arrangements.

SDQ

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

A questionnaire used by some professionals to screen emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

Section B

Section B of an EHCP

The part of an EHCP that describes the child or young person’s special educational needs.

Watch for: If a need is missing from Section B, it can be harder to secure matching provision in Section F.

Section F

Section F of an EHCP

The part of an EHCP that sets out special educational provision. This is one of the most important sections.

Watch for: Section F should not be vague. Words like access to, opportunities for, or regular support can be too weak without detail.

Section I

Section I of an EHCP

The part of an EHCP that names the school, college or type of placement.

Watch for: Placement disputes often sit here. Check whether the named setting can actually deliver Section F.

SEMH

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

A SEND category covering emotional wellbeing, mental health, behaviour and social needs.

Watch for: SEMH can describe needs, but it can also be used to frame distress as behaviour. Ask what underlying needs have been assessed.

SEN

Special Educational Needs

Needs that affect a child’s ability to learn or access education.

Watch for: SEN is about educational access and learning needs. It should not be used casually as a general label for all disability or neurodivergence.

SEN Support

Special Educational Needs Support

Support given by a school for a child with SEN who does not have an EHCP.

Watch for: SEN Support should still be planned, reviewed and evidenced. It should not just mean informal help with no record.

SENCo

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

The school staff member responsible for coordinating SEN support.

SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

A broader term covering special educational needs and disabilities.

Watch for: SEND covers special educational needs and disabilities, but the exact duties depend on the situation and the law being used.

SENDCo

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator

Another version of SENCo. Some schools use SENDCo to reflect both SEN and disability.

Watch for: The SENDCo coordinates support but does not remove the school’s wider duties. Support should not depend on one person being available.

SENDIASS

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service

A local service that gives SEND information and advice to children, young people and parents.

SENDIST

Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal

The tribunal that deals with many SEND disputes, including EHCP appeals.

SGO

Special Guardianship Order

A court order giving someone parental responsibility for a child.

SI

Sensory Integration

How the brain processes and responds to sensory information such as sound, touch, movement, smell and light.

SLCN

Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Needs affecting speech, language, understanding, communication or interaction.

SLD

Severe Learning Difficulty

A term used for significant learning difficulties requiring substantial support.

SLT

Senior Leadership Team

The senior staff in a school, such as headteacher, deputy head and assistant heads.

SMART

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound

A way of writing outcomes or targets so they are clear enough to review.

Watch for: SMART outcomes are useful, but outcomes should not replace specific provision.

SPA

Single Point of Access

A referral route used by some health, mental health or social care services.

TA

Teaching Assistant

A member of school staff who supports learning, access and classroom activities.

TAC

Team Around the Child

A group of professionals and family members working together around a child’s needs.

TAF

Team Around the Family

A group of professionals and family members working together around a family’s needs.

UC

Universal Credit

A benefit for people on low income, out of work, unable to work or needing support with living costs.

UK GDPR

UK General Data Protection Regulation

UK data protection law covering how personal information is handled.

VI

Visual Impairment

Used when someone has sight loss or vision related needs.

WCA

Work Capability Assessment

An assessment used in benefits to decide how someone’s health or disability affects their ability to work or prepare for work.

WISC

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

A cognitive assessment sometimes used by psychologists with children and young people.

YJS

Youth Justice Service

A service working with children and young people involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the youth justice system.

YOT

Youth Offending Team

An older or alternative term for youth justice services in some areas.