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Contents

What schools provide
Types of schools
Curriculum, teaching and enrichment
SEN support in schools
Safeguarding, standards and inspection
Working with families and local authorities
Related guidance

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What schools provide

Schools deliver formal education for children and young people from early years through to secondary and post-16.

They provide structured teaching, pastoral care, social development, extracurricular activities and preparation for further education, training or employment.

Schools must provide a broad and balanced curriculum, inclusive practice, and access to support for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

Related guidance

  • SEN Support
  • Alternative Provision
  • EHCP Process
  • Therapists and Specialists
  • Home Education
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    Types of schools

    Schools include:

    • Mainstream primary and secondary schools – state or academy-run education for most pupils
    • Special schools – specialist settings for complex or significant SEND
    • Independent/private schools – fee-paying settings with varied SEN provision
    • Alternative provision schools (AP/PRUs) – for pupils unable to attend mainstream due to medical, behavioural or SEMH needs
    • Faith schools – following national curriculum alongside religious education
    • Free schools and academies – independently run but publicly funded
    • Specialist colleges or sixth-form centres – for post-16 progression

    Each type has different structures, specialisms and admission processes.

    Curriculum, teaching and enrichment

    Schools deliver:

    • core subjects (English, maths, science)
    • humanities, arts, PE and languages
    • PSHE and life skills
    • optional subjects (GCSE, BTEC, vocational pathways)
    • clubs, sports and enrichment activities
    • pastoral and wellbeing programmes

    High-quality teaching is adapted to meet diverse learning needs and to prepare pupils for exams, adulthood, and wider participation in society.

    SEN support in schools

    Schools must provide SEN Support for pupils requiring additional help. This includes:

    • identification and early assessment of needs
    • in-class adaptations and differentiated teaching
    • individual or small-group interventions
    • behaviour and emotional regulation support
    • sensory adjustments and access arrangements
    • involvement of specialist teachers and therapists

     

    Each school must have a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) responsible for planning, monitoring and coordinating provision.

    For pupils whose needs are more complex or long-term, schools contribute evidence to EHCP assessments and implement all provision specified in Section F of an EHCP.

    Safeguarding, standards and inspection

    Schools must:

    • follow statutory safeguarding and child protection procedures
    • ensure all staff hold enhanced DBS checks
    • complete regular risk assessments
    • have trained safeguarding leads (DSL/Deputy DSL)
    • follow behaviour, attendance and anti-bullying policies
    • meet national standards for teaching and leadership

    Most schools are inspected by Ofsted, which evaluates safeguarding, provision for SEND, curriculum quality and overall effectiveness.

    Working with families and local authorities

    Schools collaborate closely with:
    • parents and carers – through meetings, reports, and progress reviews
    • local authority SEND teams – for EHCP assessments, reviews and placement decisions
    • health and therapy services – SLT, OT, physiotherapy, mental health teams
    • social care, when additional safeguarding or family support is required
    • educational psychologists and specialist outreach teams

    Schools also prepare pupils for transitions, including moves to secondary school, college or alternative provision.

    Find schools and SEN-inclusive settings

    Explore settings that offer strong SEN support, inclusive practice and structured learning environments.

    Search for mainstream, specialist and alternative provision schools