Finding a school

Finding a school  

It can be difficult to find a suitable school for your family member and it can be hard to know where to look to find information.  Below we have provided ideas about places and resources that may help you start your search. 

Every area has to provide a “Local Offer”. A local offer provides information about support and services for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It helps families access support in their local community. 

You can visit your local council or area’s website to find out which schools are available in your borough or neighbouring boroughs. This could help identify a school close to home. 

Families can also search for special needs schools using the guides and directories below. These guides will feature schools in the independent sector and outside of your local authority area so may help to identify a suitable school as they go beyond the options listed in the local offer.  

• Special Needs Guide is where you can find information on hundreds of non-maintained special needs schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, catering for pupils with sensory, physical, learning, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, or dyslexia. 

•  Autism Services Directory provided by the National Autistic Society helps you find UK-wide or local organisations and services including schools and colleges that are specifically for, or have adapted their services, to meet the needs of autistic people and/or their families. 

• The Good Schools Guide provides information to assist you in finding the right school through reviews of schools, education consultancy and SEN support and advice. 

• Natspec provides details of colleges: you can search for different areas of expertise including challenging behaviour, severe learning disabilities and autism. 

A Guide to Finding the right SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) School 

Selecting the appropriate school is crucial for your child’s development and progress. The National Autistic Society (NAS) offers an excellent guide to help you choose the right school or residential school for your child. SCOPE also have an easy-to-follow guide to assist in finding the right special school.  

Inspection Reports

Inspection reports can help you choose the best school for your loved one.  Inspection reports contain information about the quality of education provided and how well the school is led and managed. Reports are available online from:
 

• OFSTED (for England) www.ofsted.gov.uk 

• Education and Training Inspectorate (for Northen Ireland) www.etini.gov.uk 

• Education Scotland (for Scotland) www.education.gov.scot 

• Estyn (for Wales) www.estyn.gov.uk 

• Independent Schools Inspectorate (for independent schools) www.isi.net  

If you require further information and advice, please contact our Family Support Service  who can help. Please note our Family Support Service supports those caring for a child, young person or adult with a severe learning disability.