Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Department for Education
Abbreviation: DfE
The UK Government department responsible for education, children’s services and skills policy in England.
Department for Work and Pensions
Abbreviation: DWP
The UK Government department responsible for welfare, pensions and employment support.
Department of Health and Social Care
Abbreviation: DHSC
The UK Government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England.
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
Abbreviation: EHCNA
The assessment process used to decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Education, Health and Care Plan
Abbreviation: EHCP
A legal plan setting out support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.
Employment and Support Allowance
Abbreviation: ESA
A benefit for people who have limited capability for work because of illness or disability.
Homes England
The government’s housing and regeneration agency for England.
Local Authority
Abbreviation: LA
A local government body responsible for services in a particular area.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Abbreviation: MHCLG
The UK Government department responsible for housing, local government, communities and planning policy in England.
National Health Service
Abbreviation: NHS
The publicly funded health service in the UK.
NHS England
Abbreviation: NHSE
The body responsible for leading the NHS in England.
Personal Independence Payment
Abbreviation: PIP
A benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities who need help with daily living or mobility costs.
Public Expenditure
Money spent by government and public bodies.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Abbreviation: SEND
Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.
Universal Credit
Abbreviation: UC
A working-age benefit that brings together several forms of income-related support.