Education settings for children and young people with SEND

Choosing an education setting for a child or young person with SEND

Most children with special educational needs (SEN), including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), have their needs met in a mainstream school.

For some children with complex needs, a mainstream school may not be the best fit. Different placements can sometimes better support and cater to particular needs. It's important to consider individual requirements. Education should be in an environment that supports inclusive learning.

To find information about applying for a school place for a child or young person with SEND, including admissions guidance and support, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - School admissions for children with SEND.

You can explore the information on this page to learn about the options that may be available. Please note: not all the options are open to everyone. It depends on needs and circumstances. When a draft or amended EHCP is sent to you, you have the right to ask for a school or other education setting to be named in the plan. You will usually have 15 days to tell us your preference.

Mainstream Schools

To learn about Mainstream Schools for pupils with a wide range of abilities, their benefits, their suitability, and what they do to support children and young people with SEND, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Mainstream Schools

Enhanced Resource Schools

To learn how Mainstream Schools offer enhanced support within specific designations offering specialist support and resources for children and young people with SEND, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Enhanced Resource Schools

Alternative Provision

To learn more about Alternative Provision, and how it supports children and young people who can’t attend school because of exclusion, behaviour difficulties, or medical reasons, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Alternative Provision

Special Schools

To learn about local authority and academy Special Schools and how they support children and young people with complex needs, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Special Schools

Independent Special Schools

To learn more about privately run Independent Special Schools and how they support children and young people with very complex needs, and to view the official list of approved independent special schools and specialist colleges under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Private Independent Special Schools

Elective Home Education (EHE)

To learn more about Elective Home Education (EHE), how parents can choose to educate their child or young person at home or in some other way, and the rules about children and young people in EHE with an EHCP, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Elective Home Education

Education Otherwise Than in School or College (EOTISC)

To learn more about Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS), and how the provision supports children and young people who cannot attend school, please visit: Derbyshire Local Offer - Education Otherwise Than in School or College (EOTISC)