The national special educational needs specialist standards were designed in 1999 to help teachers and headteachers identify training and development needs specifically related to teaching pupils with severe and/or complex special educational needs (SEN).

The SEN specialist standards do not constitute a training syllabus. They are intended to be used:

• To identify priorities for training and development by:
  
  - teachers in mainstream schools
  - headteachers in mainstream schools preparing for a greater degree of inclusion
  - teachers and managers in special classes and units in mainstream schools, special units, special schools or pupil referral units to identify areas where they need further expertise
  - teachers and managers in support services
• To help schools and other training providers develop, coordinate and improve existing training provision and develop courses that meet the mandatory qualification requirements
• By schools and other training providers to promote continuing professional development and research activities that extend and improve inclusive practices