Special school

A school specifically for pupils with special educational needs, which may specialise in a type of need such as communication and interaction or physical disability.

Used in

All four UK nations (details may differ)

Topic

Types of school

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Related terms

SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities) England

The term used in England for children and young people who have a learning difficulty or disability that needs special educational provision, as defined in the Children and Families Act 2014.

EHCP (Education, health and care plan) England

A legal document in England, issued by the local authority, describing a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs and the support they must receive, for those aged up to 25.

Alternative provision (AP) England

Education arranged for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school, for example because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, often in a pupil referral unit or AP academy. In England AP is the usual abbreviation; do not confuse with US Advanced Placement.

Resourced provision England

A specialist base within a mainstream school for pupils with a particular type of SEN, who spend most of their time in mainstream classes.

More terms: Types of school

Nursery school · Private school · Selective school · Waldorf school

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