Children and young people aged 5 to 18 years old

We want parents to have a choice when it comes to their children's education. One of the ways we do this is to have different types of schools and educational settings in Camden.

All schools in Camden are inclusive. This means they welcome all students. Schools make changes or reasonable adjustments to make sure that children with a disability are not disadvantaged.

Each school has a Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo). The SENDCo works with teachers and other staff to organise extra help and support for children who need it.

If the school thinks your child needs extra support

If your child needs extra help at school, known as special educational needs and disability (SEND) support, the school will talk to you about it. Schools receive funding to provide this support.

You can learn more about the support the school provides by checking their SEN Information Report. You can also find out about other support services schools can refer you to in Camden.

A few children might need more help than what the school can usually provide.

All mainstream schools in Camden have been given extra funding to help Camden children or young people without needing to ask for it individually.

Find out more about funding for special educational needs.

If this money isn't enough to cover the support your child needs, the school will need to recommend more support.

The school will need to:

  • show what support they've already given
  • how it's helped your child

Exceptional Needs Grant

If you live in Camden, and your child also goes to school in Camden, the school can ask for an Exceptional Needs Grant if your child needs extra help. The SENDCo will talk to you about this and they'll need your permission. All mainstream schools in Camden are involved in this process.

The funding available is the same as funding for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, but it is a much faster process.

Parents, carers, and schools can ask for an EHC plan Needs Assessment if they think it's necessary. But if you live in Camden, you don't have to do this to get support for your child. Your child can get an Exceptional Needs Grant for as long as they need it.

If you live in another borough but your child goes to a school in Camden, the school might ask for an EHC Needs Assessment from your local area.

Organisations that provide support