How UK Parents Can Help SEND Children Succeed at School

Every child deserves an education that allows them to flourish. But for many UK parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the traditional school system often falls short. Large class sizes, rigid learning structures, and limited resources can make it difficult for students to receive the personalised attention they need.

With 1.7 million pupils (18% of all students) in the UK now identified as having SEND, up from 17.3% in 2023 , it’s clear that more families are seeking better ways to support their children’s education. The demand for Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans has surged by 140% since 2015, reaching 576,000 in January 2024.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we’ve seen a growing number of families turning to online education as a solution. In fact, 15% of our new student enrolments across the UK and Europe in 2025 require SEND support.

But why is this shift happening? And how can parents best support their children?

Strategies to Support SEND Students at Home and School

Supporting a child with SEND requires more than choosing the right school. To support your child within the education landscape, this involves developing a nurturing learning environment that is specifically personalised to meets their unique needs in the classroom.

Here are some effective strategies:

Personalised Learning Plans (IEPs)

Every child learns differently, and an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) ensures their strengths, challenges, and goals are considered. These plans:

• Outline accommodations such as extra time in exams (which now applies to 30% of GCSE and A-Level students, up from 15% in 2016).
• Help teachers and parents align on the best strategies for the child.
• Provide a roadmap for progress and adaptations as needed.

Small Class Sizes for Better Support

SEND students often struggle in large, overwhelming classrooms. Research shows that smaller class sizes lead to higher engagement and better academic outcomes.

At CGA, our classes are capped at 10-12 students, allowing for more one-on-one teacher support, reduced anxiety and sensory overload, and increased participation and engagement.

Flexible and Stress-Free Learning Environments

The rigid structure of mainstream schooling doesn’t always work for SEND students. Many require:

• Flexible timetables to learn at their own pace.
• Quiet, controlled environments without the sensory overload of a bustling school.
• Personalised pacing, allowing them to accelerate in subjects they excel in and take extra time where needed.

This is one of the main reasons families are turning to elective home education—a trend that has increased 21% in 2024, with 111,700 children now learning at home .

Why Online School is Becoming the First Choice for SEND Students

Traditional schools often struggle to provide tailored support, but online education is changing the game.

“Having taught in leading UK curriculum schools across the international, private, and state sectors, I’ve seen firsthand how online education is transforming opportunities for students. As both an educator and a parent, I understand the growing demand for flexibility, small class sizes, and a globally recognised curriculum that online learning like CGA offers.” - CGA’s Pastoral Care Dean, Mrs. Beth Haresnape,

But how does online schooling actually benefit SEND students?

With Online Learning, SEND Student Felix Gained A New Confidence In Class

Felix, a 16-year-old student at CGA diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. In a mainstream school, he struggled with:

• Overwhelming social pressures that impacted his mental health.
• A rigid learning structure that didn’t accommodate his pace.
• A lack of personalised support for his unique needs.

His parents, Justine and Peter, were initially sceptical about online learning, worrying about social isolation. But after joining CGA, Felix started to flourish in the classroom.

• Teachers adapted lesson plans to his strengths as a visual learner.
• He reconnected with learning, regained confidence, and made friends across the world.
• He found balance, excelling academically while gaining practical life skills through part-time work.

“Since joining CGA, Felix’s life has changed dramatically. He’s much happier, he’s excited about learning again, and he has developed close friendships,” says his mother, Justine.

A Collaborative Approach to SEND Education

At CGA, every full-time student is assigned to a House, led by a Pastoral Dean who works closely with our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This support ensures that students receive regular wellbeing check-ins, individualised support from teachers and staff, and communication between students, parents, and the school.

Our SENCo also actively organises and participates in meetings with parents or guardians. These sessions ensure that families are fully informed, involved, and empowered to support their child’s learning.

Other key support services include:

✔️ Strategic family guidance—helping parents understand learning strategies and navigate the educational system.

✔️ Personalised Student Passports & Learner Profiles—documents outlining each student’s strengths, development areas, and required accommodations.

✔️ Report support and feedback sessions—providing extra help during report periods to interpret progress and plan next steps.

“Supporting students with SEND is a collaborative effort that involves educators, parents, guardians, and the students themselves. It is through this partnership that we can create a learning environment that is not only inclusive but also empowering,” - CGA’s Deputy Principal, Ronan Kearney.

The rise in SEND students enrolling in flexible learning environments is no coincidence. Traditional schools are struggling to keep up, and parents are taking matters into their own hands.

At CGA, 15% of our new student enrolments for 2025 across the UK and Europe require SEND support, reinforcing this trend.

For families considering a different approach, online schooling could be the solution.

If your child has struggled in mainstream education, it may be time to explore a flexible, supportive, and tailored learning experience.

Want to Learn More? Speak to our Admissions Advisors to see if CGA is the right fit for your child.