SEN School Options: Specialist vs Mainstream schools in London

SEND Education in London: Specialist vs Mainstream with Resource Base

The majority of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will attend mainstream schools — including many who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). However, for those children with EHCPs who need more specialist provision, there are typically two types of school placement available:

• A state-funded mainstream school with a specialist resource base

• A special school (either state-funded or independent)

If you’re still at the early stages of understanding SEND school options — including support available without an EHCP — take a look at our guide for relocating families.

This article focuses specifically on the options available once a child has an EHCP, or is in the process of obtaining one.

Mainstream Schools with specialist resource bases

These are mainstream schools that include specialist ‘units’ or ‘resource bases’ on site. They cater for children with EHCPs who are able to access the mainstream classroom (with support) for the majority of the time, but benefit from spending part of their day in a more supported environment.

Some resource bases have a particular specialism — for example, autism, speech and language, or social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

They typically consist of a separate classroom or ‘hub’, and may also include additional facilities such as a sensory room or dedicated outdoor space. Children generally access the base for:

• Individual or small-group interventions

• Specialist sessions with visiting professionals, such as speech and language therapists or occupational therapists

The rest of the time, they attend lessons in the mainstream part of the school — usually in classes of up to 30 pupils. This is a key difference when compared with special schools, where class sizes are much smaller.

The level of support a child receives in the unit is based on the provision outlined in their EHCP. Some schools also offer wraparound support, such as breakfast or after-school clubs.

It’s important to note that only a small number of children will access a resource base — typically 6 to 30 children across the entire school.

Parents have the right to request a place in a resource base through the EHCP process. However, there is no automatic right of admission. The local authority must agree that the setting is suitable, and places are subject to availability and specific criteria.

Special Schools

As the name suggests, special schools provide a more specialist setting for children with EHCPs. They are designed for pupils who require a significantly higher level of support that cannot typically be delivered in a mainstream environment, even with a resource base.

Key features include:

• Very small class sizes, usually between 6–12 pupils

• High staff-to-student ratios

• On-site therapists, such as speech and language or occupational therapy professionals, working closely with teaching staff

• A flexible and individualised curriculum tailored to each child’s needs

As with resource bases, some special schools have specific areas of expertise, such as autism, moderate learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairment.

The curriculum often includes core subjects like literacy, maths, and science, but with greater flexibility. There may also be a strong emphasis on life skills, communication, and personal development, especially for children who benefit from a more functional or practical approach. Some pupils follow a completely bespoke curriculum, depending on their needs.

Parents can request a place at a special school through the EHCP process, but the local authority must agree that this is the most appropriate and efficient use of resources. If a place is refused, parents have the right to appeal.

Private Special Schools: are they an option?

Yes, it is possible for a private (independent) special school to be named and funded through an EHCP. However, these placements are typically considered a last resort by local authorities due to their high cost.

A local authority may agree to fund a private special school if:

• No suitable state-funded school can meet the child’s needs

• All appropriate local special schools are full

• The private school is the only available option that can provide the required support

In these cases, the private school would be named in the child’s EHCP and the placement funded accordingly. But it’s important to be aware that this route is rarely straightforward, and often requires robust evidence that no other provision is suitable.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right educational setting for a child with SEND and an EHCP is a highly individual process. While some children thrive in a mainstream setting with a resource base, others may need the more structured and specialist environment of a special school.

Understanding the differences between these options, and what each can offer, is an important step in making an informed decision.

How Simply London can help

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already deep into the application process, our experts can guide you every step of the way. From understanding the EHCP process to shortlisting suitable schools and preparing strong applications, we’re here to take the stress out of it all.

Contact us to learn more about our SEN school search support services, or visit our website section here.

Because finding the right school is not just about logistics:  it’s about giving your child the best possible start in their new London life.

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