SEND Categories on Tutorperch

What the seven categories cover, what the SEND badge means, and what we checked before awarding it.

Quick reference

Categories
Seven. Tutors list as many as apply.
Badges
SEND Trained or SEND Specialist, on a verified qualification.
What we check
The certificate, against the tutor’s identity.
Diagnosis
Not required, for any of it.

Tutors on Tutorperch list the areas of SEND support they offer, grouped into seven categories. Pick the ones closest to what your child needs help with, then filter the directory by them.

Find a tutor asks about SEND in two parts: what level of support they receive or need at school, and then which of these seven areas apply. You can pick as many as you need.

The seven categories

Most children need support in more than one area, so tick every one that applies rather than the single closest match.

Category

What it covers

Includes

Dyslexia & other learning differences

Support with specific learning differences affecting reading, writing, coordination or maths.

Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia/DCD, literacy difficulties, numeracy difficulties, spelling difficulties, handwriting difficulties, motor coordination difficulties

Autism

Support for autistic learners, including communication, learning approaches and adapting teaching to individual needs.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), social communication differences, sensory differences, adapting routines, supporting transitions, structured learning approaches

ADHD, focus & organisation

Support with attention, organisation, focus and developing independent learning skills.

ADHD, attention difficulties, impulsivity, organisation, planning, time management, working memory, task initiation, self-regulation, study skills

Processing speed & learning

Support for learners who need more time, alternative explanations or strategies to process information and learn effectively.

Slow processing speed, working memory difficulties, information processing difficulties, cognitive learning needs, general learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties (MLD)

Physical, sensory & medical

Support for learners with physical, sensory or medical needs affecting access to education.

Hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical disabilities, sensory processing differences, chronic health conditions affecting learning, assistive technology, accessibility adaptations

Speech & language

Support for learners who experience difficulties understanding or using communication.

Speech and Language Needs (SLCN), receptive language difficulties, expressive language difficulties, communication needs, social communication difficulties, vocabulary development, AAC support

Emotional wellbeing & confidence

Support with emotional wellbeing, confidence and barriers that affect learning.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), anxiety, confidence/self-esteem, emotional regulation, school avoidance, trauma-informed approaches, behaviour for learning

What the SEND badges mean

A badge tells you what a tutor has qualified in. The seven categories tell you what they offer.

Badge

What it means

What earns it

SEND Trained

Trained to understand how SEND affects learning, and adapts how they teach.

Level 1+ SEND-related training, or Qualified Teacher status

SEND Specialist

Has a specialist qualification in one or more SEND areas, and can give targeted specialist support.

Level 4+ specialist SEND qualification or training, or recognised specialist accreditation

We checked the certificate against the tutor’s identity. We did not confirm with the awarding body. Experience on its own earns no badge, because there is no certificate to check it against.

Which qualifications count, and at what level, is set out in the SEND badge policy.

Choosing between tutors

Start from the support your child needs rather than the label. Once you have a shortlist, what matters is how much experience the tutor has with that need, at your child's age and in your child's subject.

Two questions worth asking: what would you change about a typical lesson for my child, and how would we both know it was working. How to choose a tutor covers what else to check before you book.

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Common questions

  • What is a SEND tutor? +

    A tutor with training, qualifications or experience supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities. Some specialise in one area, such as dyslexia or autism. Others adapt their teaching across a range of needs.

  • Can one tutor support more than one area of need? +

    Yes, and many do. Tutors list every area they support, and overlapping needs are common.

  • Does my child need a formal diagnosis? +

    No. A learner can need extra support without one, and tutors can work with difficulties in learning, communication, attention, organisation or emotional regulation whether or not a diagnosis has been made.

  • How do I judge whether a qualification is relevant? +

    Check that it covers your child's area of need rather than SEND in general. A dyslexia practitioner qualification says a lot about literacy support and little about ADHD. The level guide sets out what each level demonstrates.

    What SEND badges mean

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Written by Fiona H. Reviewed by Robert S. Last reviewed