In Croydon, all mainstream schools are expected to be inclusive and provide support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This means they must make sure that every child, no matter their needs, has the opportunity to learn, feel included, and succeed.

Mainstream schools welcome children with a wide range of needs - from speech and language difficulties to autism, physical disabilities, and learning differences. Schools work in partnership with families to understand each child and put the right support in place.

Every mainstream school in Croydon provides what is called “ordinarily available provision”.

This includes:

• Extra help with learning, communication or behaviour.
• Adapted teaching methods or classroom strategies.
• Support from teaching assistants or learning mentors.
• Time in smaller groups for certain subjects.
• Help with emotional wellbeing and social skills.
• Access to sensory tools or quiet spaces.

Schools use a graduated approach called “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” to make sure they’re providing the right support and reviewing progress regularly.

Each school has a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They are the main point of contact for families and help organise support for children with SEND.

You can talk to the SENCo if you:

• Are concerned about your child’s progress.
• Think your child may have additional needs.
• Need help understanding what support is available.

If your child needs more help than the school can usually provide, you may be able to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) through Croydon’s SEND Team. This gives access to additional support and specialist placements if needed.

Many children are successfully supported in mainstream schools with or without an EHCP.

Croydon offers a range of services to help children in mainstream schools, including:

• Educational Psychology
  
• Speech and Language Therapy
  
• Occupational Therapy
  
• SEND Support Services (e.g. autism outreach, hearing and vision support)
  
• Croydon Locality SEND Support Service (CLSS) - helping schools to meet SEND needs earlier
  
• Support for mental health and wellbeing

To learn more about what schools should offer, how to get help and what services are available near you, please click the following links:

• Primary Schools Directory
• Secondary Schools Directory