Most children and young people with special educational needs can be taught in mainstream schools.

The Torbay Local Authority will always seek to place SEND pupils in mainstream schools providing that:

• The school is suitable for the child’s age, ability and aptitude and the special educational needs
• The child’s attendance is not incompatible with the efficient education of other children in the school, and
• The placement is an efficient use of the LA’s resources.

If your child has more severe or complex needs, their needs might be best met by attending an enhanced provision within a mainstream school or a special school.

In addition to looking at our tips for Choosing a School for a child with SEND you may also want to consider the following enhanced provisions within mainstream schools and special schools. However, it is important to take advice from professionals and remember that the majority of specialist places are allocated following Specialist Education Provision allocation panel meetings held during the Spring term for places in the following September.

It is important to be aware that home to school transport is not included within an EHCP and is only awarded in line with the Home to School Transport Policy.

Enhanced provision within mainstream primary schools:

• Barton Hill Academy – Enhanced Speech & Language Provision
• Preston Primary School – Nest – Enhanced Provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• St Margaret’s Academy – Hearing Support Centre (HSC)

Enhanced provision within mainstream secondary schools:

• Brixham College – Enhanced Provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Paignton Academy – STEPS – Enhanced Provision for students with anxiety/phobic difficulties 
• The Spires College – Enhanced Provision for Autistic Spectrum Condition
• The Spires College – Enhanced Provision for Hearing Impairment 

Special schools:

• Mayfield School Chestnut Centre – for children experiencing complex social, emotional and mental health difficulties – Primary (5-11 years)
• Mayfield School – for children with severe and profound learning difficulties – Age range (3 –19  years)
• Brunel Academy – for pupils with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs – Secondary (11-16 years)
• Combe Pafford School – for pupils who have Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) including some pupils with MLD and physical difficulties and/or autism – Age range (7 –19  years)

Since Torbay is a small area within Devon, some parents may wish to widen thier search for thier prefered school to be named on their child or young person’s EHCP.

Schools Archive – Schools Information – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)

Admissions to secondary schools in Devon are managed by the Torbay Local Authority SEND Team in consultation with Devon County Council.