SEND Placements and Provision
This page explains the differences between mainstream schools, integrated resources, and special schools.
Only children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHC Plan) will be considered for an integrated resource or special school in Sheffield. Most children, including those with an EHC Plan, have their needs met in a mainstream school
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Most children attend a mainstream school, this includes many children with special educational needs and disabilities. Children are taught the national curriculum and it is adapted for individual children as needed.
A wide range of subjects and GCSEs are offered at secondary school. Sometimes vocational courses are offered alongside GCSEs, some schools offer A levels.
Most children with special educational needs and disabilities attend a mainstream school, including those who are on SEN support and have EHC Plans.
Schools must make reasonable adjustments for all children to accommodate their needs.
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An integrated resource is a specialist unit in a mainstream school. It provides extra support for children with complex needs.
Most children spend:
Part of their time learning in an integrated resource.
The rest of their time learning in the main school buildings with the other pupils.
The amount of time spent in an integrated resource is different for every child and based on their need.
Integrated resources are part of mainstream schools where children learn the national curriculum. This is adapted for individual children as needed.
Some integrated resources extend into the sixth form for A levels.
All children attending have an EHC Plan and are placed by the local authority.
Children will only need an integrated resource if a mainstream school is not able to provide the support set out in their EHC Plan.
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Special Schools are for children with the most complex needs, that cannot be met in a mainstream school or integrated resource.
Special schools generally specialise in a particular area of need.
Each school will have a curriculum tailored to the needs of the pupils it supports, some focus on teaching life skills.
Most offer fewer opportunities to gain recognised qualifications like GCSEs or vocational courses.
All children attending have an EHC Plan and are placed by the local authority.
Children will only need a special school if a mainstream school or integrated resource is not able to provide the support set out in their EHC Plan.
Alternative provision
Alternative provision (AP) can be arranged by the school or the local authority. It is an alternative option for a child who struggles to attend school.
Children and young people attend off-site provision. In Sheffield there are lots of options for children and young people.
You can discuss AP with your child’s school if you feel it may be a suitable option for you child.