SEND thresholds

Gateshead launched the SEND thresholds in January 2024. These descriptors are based on national best practice in determining and describing the needs of Children and Young People (CYP) aged 0-25 with SEND. They are based on the four areas of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) - cognition and learning, communication and interaction, social emotional and mental health and sensory, physical and medical needs. A golden thread running through these four areas are the four elements of Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) - education and training, independence, good health and community inclusion. The SEND Thresholds provide:

a way of assessing the needs of children and young people
suggestions on a wide range of interventions that can be used across services
how to measure the impact and outcomes of the above

So, in terms of transitions, the SEND thresholds will provide an essential framework for discussion and sharing information across and between services and settings for young people aged 0-25, on:

a young person's needs
interventions that have worked and those that have not
ways of working and building on the current and future provision ensuring continuity and consistency of approach
effective ways of sharing information

Thus, supporting effective transition and giving confidence to families and young people that their needs are fully understood.

Download the full SEND thresholds document (PDF, 12 MB)(opens new window)

Summary of SEND thresholds

You can watch our summary video that provides a brief overview of what SEND thresholds are for parents and carers:

SEND thresholds sections

Below we have broken down the full document into sections to help you navigate the guide and point you to the information you need to know based on your child's age.

Early years

This section breaks down the key SEND threshold sections for early years children:

Primary and secondary education

This section breaks down the key SEND threshold sections for children in primary and secondary education:

We have also produced a short video to explain what SEND thresholds are to children at this age:

Post-16

This section breaks down the key SEND threshold sections for children post-16: