Education

Education - Schools and Services

Special schools

In Stoke-on-Trent, we believe all children are entitled to an education that enables them to:

  • achieve the best possible outcomes, and
  • become confident young children with a growing ability to communicate their own views and ready to make the transition into compulsory education
  • fulfil their potential and work towards their aspirations.

We have a duty to ensure there are sufficient good school places for all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities.

All mainstream schools have a duty to meet  the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our special schools provide specialist provision for those with the most complex needs.

To read more about support for children and young people in educational settings click here: SEND Support

Choosing the right school.

Mainstream school and academies

Most children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) go to their local school. In Stoke-on-Trent, there are 71 primary schools and 14 secondary schools. There are also 2 post-16 colleges and 4 schools with sixth forms.

If you think your child needs extra help, talk to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at your school. You can find more information about SEND support in school here: SEND support for learning

In Stoke-on-Trent, over 6,000 children with SEND get support in their mainstream school without needing an EHC plan. Some children with more complex needs might need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) but will still usually continue to be educated in a mainstream school. You can learn more about EHCPs here: Educational health and care (EHC) plans

Applying for a school place

Without an EHCP

You can find out how to apply for a place at a mainstream school here: school admissions process.

With an EHCP

If your child has an EHC plan, you will not follow the usual admissions process. The law and process around admissions for children and young people with EHC plans is different. If your child has an EHCP their placement will be managed by their EHC Caseworker.

The SEND code of practice states that parents may request a place at a particular school. It explains the rights of parents and the responsibilities of schools and local councils.

Schools and local councils must consider the education of other children at the school when deciding on a placement.

Specialist resourced provision (SRP)

Specialist Resourced Provisions (SRP) let children with an EHC plan continue to go to a mainstream school while accessing extra help with more specialist support. The Local Authority Education Panel decides if a child can go to an SRP. Talk to your EHC Caseworker if you think SRP would be a good option for your child.

In Stoke-on-Trent we currently have two resource provisions:

State funded special schools and academies

Special schools give specialist teaching to children with SEND. This might be appropriate for a child with an EHC plan, depending on how much support they need. Talk to your EHC Caseworker if you think this might be right for your child.

The Local Authority Education Panel decides if a child can go to a special school. There is a different panel for young children starting school. They decide during the Spring term.

There are 13 state-funded special schools and academies in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire

Cognition and Learning Needs

Physical and/or Sensory Needs

SEMH Needs

Communication and Interaction Needs

Independent specialist provision

In very rare cases, the only place for a child or young person is an independent school. The schools listed below are our local framework providers who have been chosen by the Council to help children with very complex needs who are unable to attend mainstream settings.

All these schools meet the Council's quality and finance requirements and are checked regularly. You can visit their websites to learn more.

Your EHC Caseworker will help you find the right school for your child. This needs to be agreed by the Council's Education Panel.

If the schools on our list can't meet a child's needs, we might use other schools. We don't choose schools with an inadequate OFSTED rating unless there's a good reason.

Our framework schools are:

Cognition and Learning Needs

Physical and/or Sensory Needs

SEMH Needs

Speech, Learning and Communication Needs (Including Autism)

Section 41 Schools

Section 41 schools are independent special schools or colleges that have been approved by the government under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Most independent special schools and colleges are not Section 41 schools.

Cognition and Learning

Physical and/or sensory needs

SEMH Needs

Speech, Learning and Communication Needs (Including Autism)

Alternative provision

If a child might be permanently excluded from school or needs help outside of school, schools can use Alternative Provision (AP).

Examples of Alternative Provision are:

  • Schools that are not mainstream, academy, special, or private/independent schools, like registered independent alternative provision schools or unregistered alternative providers
  • Pupil Referral Units
  • Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form Centres for 14 to 16-year-olds
  • Specialist staff who work in schools to help students and prevent exclusions
  • Tuition

Providers of Alternative Provision in Stoke-on-Trent are:

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