Introduction

Special schools are schools for children who have severe and complex special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The complexity of these needs might affect their ability to learn in the same way as other children in mainstream schools.

They are for children who:

• have severe learning difficulties or complex learning needs
• have physical disabilities or medical conditions
• have complex speech, language or communication needs
• have complex autism or significant social and emotional challenges
• need more support than a mainstream school can give.

Each special school is a bit different - some focus on specific needs like autism or physical disabilities.

What makes special schools different

• Smaller class sizes – and a higher ratio of adult support
• Specialist teachers and staff – trained to support children with SEND
• Adapted learning – teaching is tailored to the child’s needs
• Therapies and support – like speech therapy, physiotherapy, or emotional support.

Some special schools are government funded and maintained by the local authority. Others are independent (private) but may, in some circumstances, still be named in an education, health and care plan (EHCP) and funded by the council.

Specialist services on offer

Special schools might offer:

• Personalised learning plans
• Help with communication and social skills
• Emotional and mental health support
• Life skills and independence training
• Support with behaviour that challenges
• Help with moving into adult life and work (for older students).

Getting a place at a special school

To go to a special school, most children need an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

This is a legal document that:

• says what support a child needs
• outlines the kind of school they should go to.

How it works:

1. Parents, carers or schools can ask the council to assess a child for an EHCP
2. If the council agrees, they do an assessment
3. If the child qualifies, the council writes the EHCP and may suggest a special school based on the child’s assessed needs
4. Parents can ask for a specific special school in the plan.

Read more about EHCPs and the assessment process.

Mainstream schooling

Not all children need to go to a special school. Most children will be educated in a mainstream school with extra support instead of a special school:

Search for schools and nurseries in the East Riding

Special schools in the East Riding

Special schools outside the East Riding

You can ask for your child to go to a special school in another area, outside of the East Riding.

The SEND assessment and review team (SENDART) will:

• think about whether that school is right for your child
• compare the cost
• contact the other local council to check if they can offer a place.

You can also ask for your child to go to an independent or non-maintained special school (a school that isn’t run by the council). You might choose one because it has the right facilities or support for your child.

The Special Education Needs and Disabilities Assessment and Review Team (SENDART) will listen to your views, but they will first look at whether your child’s needs can be met in local or nearby council-run schools. They’ll consider:

• what support your child needs
• how much it would cost.

You can find more about independent and non-maintained special schools on the National Association of Independent Schools and Non-Maintained Special Schools website:

National Association of Independent Schools and Non-Maintained Special Schools

Help and advice

If your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), you can:

• talk to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) at your child’s current school
• speak to professionals who work with your child regularly.

If your child has an education, health and care plan (EHCP), you can also talk about school options during their annual review.

You can get free and impartial advice from East Riding SENDIASS (Special Education Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support) about choosing a school:

Visit the East Riding SENDIASS website