Mainstream schools
All mainstream schools in Camden provide support for children with SEND. We have a strong early intervention offer for children who need Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) support. This is to make sure:
- our education settings are inclusive
- children with special educational needs can learn close to where they live
Schools and settings in Camden are experienced in:
- including children and young people with SEND
- providing the right level of support that helps them make progress
The Children and Families Act 2014 states that Local Authorities should educate children in a mainstream setting wherever possible. This is written as ‘general presumption in law’ of mainstream education. This is in line with the Equality Act 2010. We, therefore, make additional support available in mainstream to include children with a wide range of needs.
On the Gov.uk website, read the:
Inclusion in mainstream schools and education settings
Most children with SEND attend a mainstream school including:
- those receiving early intervention help at SEND Support
- those with complex needs
- those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or an Exceptional Needs Grant (ENG)
For further information on how Camden fund SEND in our mainstream schools visit Funding for special educational needs and disabilities in school settings
The range of strategies and interventions each school delivers is described in the SEN Information Report, on the school’s website.
Schools and settings can draw on a range of teams and services to support them in meeting the needs of children with SEND, whether they receive SEND Support, or have an ENG or an EHC Plan.
Mainstream school admissions
The school admissions team coordinates
- admission to reception places at Camden primary schools
- the transfer from primary school to secondary school
Find out more about Primary school admissions and Secondary school admissions on camden.gov.uk.
Children with a statement of special educational needs or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
The application process is different for children with statements of special educational needs, or an EHC plan. If your child has a statement or EHC plan, you should not apply through the ordinary process. Instead you should be guided by the SEN team of the local authority that maintains the statement or EHC plan.
Children being assessed for an EHC plan
If your child is being assessed for special educational needs you need to apply by completing the common application. You do not have to wait until the assessment is completed before enrolling your child. Please seek the advice of the SEN team of the local authority that is carrying out the assessment.
Find out more about the Camden SEN Team including contact details.
Further education
Young people with SEND have many pathways after they complete their secondary school education.
This includes:
- further education colleges, including The Alexandra Centre
- apprenticeships and T Levels
- supported internships
- colleges and special colleges
Related services
- Educational Psychology Service (EPS)
- Primary Learning Support Service
- Camden Sensory Advisory Service
- Camden Physical Disability Outreach Service
- Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
- KIDS Independent Support Service
Some children living in Camden can get help from the Council with their travel to and from school or college.