To learn about school admissions and submit an application for a school place in Derbyshire, please visit: Derbyshire County Council - Apply for a school place
To learn more about how to change a child or young person's school place, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Changing schools during the school year
To learn about education outside the normal age group, including situations where a child may be gifted and talented, has experienced challenges such as ill health, or has special needs not covered by an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Education outside the normal year group
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:
Department for Education - Section 41 approved schools and colleges
This section of the Derbyshire Local Offer provides essential information about education and learning for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Derbyshire. It covers statutory guidance, school admissions, specialist support services, and practical advice for families and professionals. Whether you’re looking for details on the SEND Code of Practice, alternative education options, or support for medical and sensory needs, these resources aim to make education pathways clearer and more inclusive. This section includes information from:
- SEND Code of Practice (0-25 Years)
Explains statutory guidance for supporting children and young people with SEND across education, health and social care.
- Alternative Provision (AP) in Derbyshire
Find information about education options for pupils who cannot attend mainstream and browse the Alternative Provision directory to view a list of providers that schools may consider for their pupils.
- Derbyshire Schools Information
Find links to Derbyshire school websites, their SEND Policies and SEND Information Reports to learn how they cater to different levels of need.
- Schools Admissions for Children with SEND
Find guidance on applying for school places and understanding the admissions process for children with SEND.
- Educational Psychology Service (EPS)
Learn about the Educational Psychology Service (EPS), which works with schools, families, and professionals to support the learning, development, and emotional well-being of children and young people with SEND.
- Out of School Services (ACRE)
Find information about Out of School Services in Derbyshire, including alternative provision, the referral processes for temporary education, attendance and missing education support, elective home education guidance, and access to virtual classroom learning.
- Inclusion Support Advisory Service (ISAS)
Learn about the Inclusion Support Advisory Service (ISAS), which provides specialist advice and resources to schools, including guidance on:
- Graduated Responses
- referral processes for targeted and specialist support
- useful resources
- webinars
- PINS Neurodiversity Inclusion Partnerships
- SENDCO Helpline
- Inclusion Panel
- Post-16 Inclusion Panel
- ND Advocates
- The Engagement Service
- and Sensory and Physical Support Services (SPSS)
- My SEND Learning Programme (MSLP)
A tailored learning programme designed to meet individual SEND needs.
- Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions
Find guidance for schools on managing and supporting pupils with medical needs.
- Children and Young People with SEND in Youth Custody
Find information on education and support for young people with SEND in custody settings.
- Derbyshire Area Sensory Processing Needs
Find advice and resources for supporting children and sensory processing difficulties.
- The Virtual School (VS)
The Virtual School for Children in our Care has the overall responsibility for monitoring, supporting and providing or resourcing interventions. This includes ensuring Special Educational or Disability (SEND) needs are identified and plans are reviewed for children in care and they are supported appropriately to achieve their best possible educational outcomes.
Early Years Education
The Early Years SEN Service works with families, early years settings, and professionals to identify and support young children with special educational needs as early as possible. Their aim is to ensure every child has the best start in life by providing tailored advice, practical strategies, and access to appropriate resources.
To learn more about how the EYSEN team can help with early identification, inclusion, and transition into school, please visit:
Derbyshire Local Offer - Early Years SEN Service (EYSEN)
Post-16 Education
Young people in England are required to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18. There are several pathways for young people to choose from, depending on what they are thinking of doing next, and what their longer-term goals are.
To learn about options for young people leaving statutory education, including information about Apprenticeships, Post-16 Colleges, Post-16 Training Providers, Supported Internships and University Technical Colleges (UTCs), please visit:
Derbyshire Local Offer - Post-16 Education and Training
Search for Childcare
To find childcare providers, free childcare places, school pick-ups & drop-offs, out of school & holiday care and parent & toddler groups, please view our Childcare Directory: