Choosing the right educational setting for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. For families of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), this decision can feel even more complex, filled with questions about what environment will best support your child’s learning, development, and well-being.
In England, there are several types of educational provisions designed to meet the diverse needs of children with SEND. Understanding the key differences between mainstream schools, specialist provisions, and base provisions can help you make an informed choice that feels right for your child and family.
1. Mainstream Schools: Inclusion Within the General Classroom
What Are They?
Mainstream schools are the typical primary schools attended by the majority of children in England. They follow the National Curriculum and aim to provide inclusive education, where children with SEN learn alongside their peers without SEN.
Who Are They Suitable For?
Mainstream settings can be suitable for children with a wide range of needs, especially if those needs can be met with additional support (known as SEND support) or through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Many children with mild to moderate learning difficulties, speech and language needs, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, or physical disabilities thrive in mainstream schools with the right adjustments.
Key Features:
- Inclusion: Children are part of regular classes but may receive targeted support through small group work or 1:1 assistance.
- Differentiated Learning: Teachers adapt lessons to meet individual learning styles and abilities.
- Support Staff: Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) often work with children who have SEN.
- SENCO: Each school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) responsible for overseeing SEN support.
Pros:
- Promotes social integration with a diverse peer group.
- Access to the full National Curriculum.
- Opportunity to develop life skills alongside academic learning.
Challenges:
- Busy environments can be overwhelming for some children, especially those with sensory sensitivities.
- Limited resources may affect the level of 1:1 support available.
2. Specialist Provisions: Tailored Support for Complex Needs
What Are They?
Specialist provisions, often referred to as special schools, are designed specifically for children with more complex or profound learning, physical, or medical needs that cannot be fully met in a mainstream setting. These schools cater to specific types of SEN, such as severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or sensory impairments.
Who Are They Suitable For?
Children who require highly individualised support, specialised teaching strategies, therapeutic input, and significant modifications to the curriculum often benefit from specialist settings. An EHCP is typically required for placement in a specialist school.
Key Features:
- Highly Trained Staff: Teachers and support staff with expertise in specific areas of SEN.
- Adapted Curriculum: Focus on life skills, communication, and functional learning alongside academic subjects.
- Therapeutic Support: On-site access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
- Smaller Class Sizes: More personalised attention with higher staff-to-pupil ratios.
Pros:
- A tailored environment designed to meet complex needs.
- Access to specialist equipment and therapies.
- Staff with extensive SEN expertise.
Challenges:
- Limited opportunities for social interaction with neurotypical peers.
- May require longer travel distances, depending on school location.
- Less exposure to the mainstream curriculum, though this is often appropriate for the child’s developmental level.
3. Base Provisions: The Best of Both Worlds
What Are They?
Base provisions (sometimes called resource bases, units, or enhanced provisions) are specialist classes attached to mainstream schools. They provide targeted support for children with specific needs while offering opportunities to integrate with mainstream classes when appropriate.
Who Are They Suitable For?
Base provisions are ideal for children whose needs are too complex to be met entirely within a mainstream classroom but who can benefit from some inclusion with mainstream peers. Children usually have an EHCP that specifies the need for this type of provision.
Key Features:
- Specialist Support: Children spend part of their day in the base, receiving intensive, small-group or 1:1 support.
- Mainstream Integration: When ready, they can join mainstream classes for specific lessons, activities, or social events.
- Focus Areas: Many bases specialise in specific needs, such as autism, speech and language difficulties, or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
- Flexible Approach: The level of integration is tailored to each child’s abilities and progress.
Pros:
- Combines specialist teaching with mainstream inclusion.
- Builds both academic and social skills.
- Provides a “safe space” for children to regulate if needed.
Challenges:
- Availability can be limited, and placement is often competitive.
- Transitioning between the base and mainstream can be challenging for some children.
- Not all schools have base provisions, so travel may be required.
How Do I Choose the Right Provision for My Child?
Choosing the right setting isn’t just about your child’s academic ability—it’s about where they will feel safe, supported, and happy. Here are some steps to guide your decision:
- Understand Your Child’s Needs:
- Consider their learning style, sensory sensitivities, social needs, and emotional well-being.
- Seek professional advice from educational psychologists, SENCOs, and therapists.
- Visit Different Settings:
- Tour mainstream schools, specialist provisions, and base units- get a feel for the school and trust your gut instinct!
- Observe the environment, teaching styles, and how staff interact with children.
- Ask Key Questions:
- How does the school support children with similar needs?
- What’s the staff-to-pupil ratio?
- How are therapies integrated into the school day?
- What training do staff have in SEND?
- Review the EHCP (if applicable):
- Ensure it accurately reflects your child’s needs.
- The EHCP will influence placement decisions, especially for specialist settings.
- Trust Your Instincts:
- As a parent, you know your child best. Consider where they will feel most confident and capable.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to education for children with SEND. Some children thrive in mainstream classrooms with the right support; others need the tailored environment of a specialist school or the flexible approach of a base provision.
What matters most is finding a setting where your child feels valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and advocate for what your child needs—because every child deserves an education that helps them shine.
