An independent special school is a privately-run educational institution that provides specialised support and teaching for students with additional learning needs, disabilities or behavioural challenges. These schools often cater to children with conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, speech and language difficulties or other complex needs. Unlike state schools, independent schools are not funded by the Government; in the case of EdStart Schools, we are funded via EHCP routes, Local Authority Day 6 Provision and Partner School Agreements with local mainstream high schools and academies.

At EdStart Schools, our values are the driving force behind our inclusive and aspirational offer.

• Humanity
• Togetherness
• Compassion
• Progression

We seek to give all of our young people a fresh and invigorating educational experience which recognises their previous journey, but also gives them the same valuable post-16 offers as their peers. We believe this can only be done via a strong academic and inclusive offer which gives our young people the qualifications, skills and values of the society in which they will become fuller members.

Choosing the right school depends on your child’s specific needs. If your child requires more specialised teaching methods, smaller class sizes or tailored support that mainstream schools cannot provide, an EdStart Independent Special School may be a good fit. It’s important to visit the school in advance, talk to the staff and ensure that the overall approach aligns with your child’s specific needs and educational goals.

Independent special schools often support a wide range of needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia and other learning disabilities
• Emotional and behavioural challenges
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)

Independent special schools offer more personalised and tailored support than mainstream schools. Some key differences include:

• smaller class sizes to allow for more individualised attention.
• specialised staff trained to work with children with specific learning or behavioural needs.
• adapted teaching methods and flexible curricula to accommodate different learning styles.
• often greater flexibility in dealing with challenging behaviour and emotional needs.
• a strong focus on the whole child and both pastoral and academic progression.

Yes, many independent special schools, including ours, accept pupils with an EHCP. An EHCP outlines the support and services a child needs as part of their education. If your child has an EHCP, the school will review it to ensure it can meet the outlined requirements. However, independent schools may have their own admissions processes, so it’s important to check the specific school’s policy.

Yes, Local Authorities can fund placements at independent special schools, most typically if the child’s needs cannot be met in a mainstream or state special school setting. If you believe your child needs a place at an independent special school, you may need to apply through your Local Authority, and they will assess the child’s needs and the suitability of the school.

The admissions process for one of our schools typically involves:

• an initial inquiry or visit to the school.
• a meeting with the Local Authority or partner school to determine if a placement is possible, to discuss your child’s needs and determine if the school is a suitable fit.
• submission of any necessary referral documentation and/or EHCP, medical and previous learning reports.
• if accepted, a formal offer of a place, which may be subject to funding approval by the Local Authority or school partner depending on type of placement (if applicable).

Yes, we offer a strong Life Skills Curriculum and Enrichment programme to help our pupils’ journey towards becoming brilliant 16-year-olds. This includes Relationship Education, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), Careers, Financial Education, British Values and Social Awareness and Cultural Capital programmes, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and local community initiatives.

Finding the right school involves researching options, visiting schools and consulting with professionals such as educational psychologists, social workers or SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators). It’s helpful to consider:

The school’s approach to teaching and support.

We offer a fully inclusive, full-time academic and enrichment pathway for both core (dual-rolled and Day 6 pupils) and specialist SEN for EHCP pupils. Many pupils may be blended within these pathways, depending on need and planned outcomes.

Our school day runs from 8.45am until 2.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am until 1.00pm on a Friday.

The curriculum and qualifications offered.

We offer a 5 GCSE pathway including English Literature, English Language, Maths, Biology and Religious Studies.

This is supplemented by our Life Skills Curriculum, PE and Sport and Humanities offer, which may include GCSE or short awards qualifications.

We have termly pupil progress updates and visits for parents, carers and partner schools or agencies.

The school’s staff expertise and qualifications.

We have a range of qualified and trainee staff, as we also seek to be a learning hub for good SEND provisions within the mainstream and independent sector.

Reviews or feedback from other parents whose children attend the school.

We conduct regular voice activities and previous Ofsted Reports and News are shared via our school websites and media links.

Independent special schools typically have robust support systems in place to help children adjust. These may include:

• transition plans to help the child settle in.
• ongoing monitoring and support from staff, including key workers and SEND specialists if necessary.
• regular communication with parents to update on progress and any concerns. If issues arise, the school will work with you to find appropriate solutions, whether that involves additional support or adjustments to the child’s program.

Independent special schools often have a lower staff-to-pupil ratio compared to mainstream schools, allowing for more personalised attention. Ratios can vary, but many schools aim for a 1:8 or 1:6 ratio, depending on the complexity of the pupils’ needs.

Yes, independent special schools are subject to inspection, but the frequency and criteria may differ from state schools. Our independent schools are inspected by Ofsted, and the reports are publicly available. The inspection typically covers areas such as quality of teaching, safety, welfare and how well the school meets the needs of its pupils. These inspections occur whenever we make a material change or in a 3-year period from last inspection in line with the mainstream school model.