Understanding Different Types of Schools and Settings for Children with SEND
Description: Mainstream schools are traditional schools that cater to children of all abilities, including those with SEND.
Support and Resources: Mainstream schools provide a range of support and resources to meet the diverse needs of students with SEND, including:
Special educational provision within the classroom, such as differentiated instruction and individualised learning plans.
Access to additional support staff, such as teaching assistants or learning support assistants.
Collaboration with external professionals, such as educational psychologists or speech therapists, to provide specialised support as needed.
Description: Special schools are specifically designed to meet the needs of children with more complex or severe SEND.
Support and Resources: Special schools offer specialised support and resources tailored to the individual needs of students, including:
Smaller class sizes and higher staff-to-student ratios to provide more individualised attention and support.
Access to specialist facilities and equipment, such as sensory rooms or therapy rooms.
Comprehensive support services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling, provided on-site.
Description: Alternative provisions are alternative educational settings for children who may struggle to thrive in mainstream or special school environments.
Support and Resources: Alternative provisions offer flexible and tailored support to meet the specific needs of students, including:
Individualised learning programmes focused on academic, vocational, or social skills development.
Small-group or one-to-one teaching to provide personalised support and attention.
Access to specialist interventions or therapies to address specific needs or challenges.
Description: Specialist units are units or provisions within mainstream schools that cater to students with specific SEND needs.
Support and Resources: Specialist units offer targeted support and resources within a mainstream school setting, including:
Specialised teaching and support staff trained to work with students with specific needs, such as autism or hearing impairment.
Access to adapted resources and facilities, such as sensory rooms or communication aids.
Collaboration with mainstream school staff to ensure a fully inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Description: Early years provision includes nurseries, preschools, and reception classes for children aged 0-5.
Support and Resources: Early years provision offers a range of support and resources to meet the needs of children with SEND, including:
Access to early intervention services, such as speech and language therapy or developmental support.
Individualised learning plans and targeted support to address developmental delays or challenges.
Collaboration with parents and external professionals to provide holistic support and early intervention strategies.
Description: Primary education includes Key Stages 1 and 2, typically for children aged 5-11.
Support and Resources: Primary schools provide a range of support and resources to meet the needs of children with SEND, including:
Individualised learning plans and differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs.
Access to additional support staff, such as teaching assistants, to provide targeted interventions and support.
Collaboration with external professionals, such as educational psychologists or behaviour specialists, to address complex needs and challenges.
Transition support and guidance to prepare students for secondary school.
Description: Secondary education includes Key Stages 3 and 4, typically for children aged 11-16.
Support and Resources: Secondary schools offer a range of support and resources to meet the needs of students with SEND, including:
Access to specialised subject support and vocational pathways tailored to individual interests and abilities.
Transition support and guidance to prepare students for post-16 education, training, or employment.
Collaboration with external agencies and support services to provide holistic support for students with complex needs or disabilities.
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