Special school

Also called Specialist provision, Resourced provision, SEN unit

A school for children with SEND. Almost always requires an EHCP, and it is not the only specialist option.

What it is

A special school provides for children with SEND, usually with a designation describing the needs it caters for.

Between mainstream and special sit resourced provisions and SEN units — a specialist base attached to a mainstream school, where pupils are on the mainstream roll and access both.

Where it applies

Children with an EHCP. A maintained special school place normally requires one.

How it works

Where a parent asks for a particular school to be named in Section I, the council must name it unless it would be unsuitable for the child's age, ability, aptitude or needs, or the attendance would be incompatible with the efficient education of others or the efficient use of resources.

Those are the only three reasons, and "we do not usually place children like yours there" is not one of them.

Independent and non-maintained special schools can also be named, though councils resist on cost — which engages the efficient use of resources test rather than ending the argument.

What you can ask for

Visit. Ask about staff qualifications, therapy on site, class sizes, and what the leavers go on to do.

Ask for your preference to be recorded in writing during the assessment, and ask for reasons against the three statutory tests if refused.

Ask about resourced provision as well as special schools. It is frequently the better fit and is rarely offered unprompted.

Where to get help

IPSEA on naming a school. SENDIASS for local knowledge. Refusals are appealable to the SEND Tribunal.