Special schools are designed to support children and young people with more complex or significant additional needs that cannot be fully met in a mainstream school, even with extra support.

These schools provide:

• Smaller class sizes and high levels of staff support.
• Specially trained teachers and therapists.
• A personalised curriculum tailored to your child’s needs.
• Opportunities to build independence, life skills, and confidence.
• Access to therapies such as speech and language, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy.

Special schools aim to help your child thrive both educationally and emotionally in a setting that is designed specifically for them.

Applications to special schools in Croydon are not made directly by parents or carers. Instead, they are managed by the Croydon SEND Service through a consultation process as part of your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Here's what happens:

• If your child has an EHCP, the local authority will consult with special schools that may be suitable based on their assessed needs.
  
• You and your child’s views are included in this process.
  
• The school will consider whether they can meet your child’s needs before a decision is made.
  

If your child does not yet have an EHCP, and you feel a special school may be appropriate, speak to your child’s SENCo, GP, or a trusted professional for guidance on how to start the process.

You can also contact Croydon SENDIASS for free, impartial advice and support.

Here are the special schools in Croydon that support different types of need:

If you're unsure whether a special school is right for your child, or you'd like to explore options, help is available:

• Talk to your child’s SENCo at school.
• Contact the Croydon SEND Service.
• Reach out to Croydon SENDIASS for independent support.