Support for cognition and learning difficulties may be needed when children and young people learn more slowly than their peers, even when lessons are appropriately adapted.
Under the SEND Code of Practice (2015), cognition and learning needs cover a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) – These affect particular aspects of learning, such as:
- Dyslexia (reading and spelling)
- Dyscalculia (understanding numbers)
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) – Children with these needs often require support across the whole curriculum and may also experience challenges with mobility and communication.
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) – Children with PMLD have severe and complex learning needs, often alongside physical disabilities or sensory impairments.
The following information is especially relevant for practitioners working with children in the early years or at a similar developmental stage:
“Practitioners need to decide what they want children in their setting to learn, and the most effective ways to teach it. Practitioners must stimulate children’s interests, responding to each child’s emerging needs and guiding their development through warm, positive interactions coupled with secure routines for play and learning.”
(Early Years Foundation Stage, EYFS 1.16)
Support
Access support, information on training and resources based on the specific difficulties you have identified.
- Moderate learning difficulties and severe learning difficulties
- Engagement and independence
- Attention, organisation and memory
- Problem-solving and play