SEND Services in Blackpool
Blackpool, a compact coastal unitary authority in the North West, is actively improving SEND support following a recent area inspection that highlighted inconsistent experiences for children and young people, prompting a detailed improvement plan and updated SEND strategy overseen by the local partnership board. While facing challenges from high deprivation levels that affect school attendance and outcomes, the area shows strengths like similar proportions of EHCP pupils in mainstream schools to the national figure, with ongoing efforts to boost parental confidence through events and the Blackpool Parent Carer Forum. For impartial guidance tailored to your family's needs, contact the local SENDIASS at 01253 477083 or [email protected] - they're here to help navigate the system with you.
With Blackpool's ongoing efforts to boost parental confidence through events and the Parent Carer Forum, JakTrack steps in as your everyday companion, helping you feel prepared and supported as you track your child's daily patterns and build a clear picture of their needs over time. Starting early means that evidence naturally accumulates, leaving you in control and ready for appointments or EHCP discussions. It's like having a quiet ally that grows stronger with you, easing those inconsistent moments into ones of real clarity. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
49
Schools
7
Specialist
5
SEN Units & Resource Bases
19,901
Total Pupils
3,157 pupils
1,216 pupils
Services & Contacts
Local Offer
Every Local Authority must publish a "Local Offer" - a directory of all SEND services and provision in their area.
View Blackpool's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
SENDIASS
SEND Team
SEND Team
Portage
Early years portage service
Occupational Therapy
Community physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Children's Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Child Development Centre
Neurodevelopmental Pathway
CAMHS
Home to School Transport
Preparing for Adulthood
Project Search
Early Help
Family Hubs
North Family Hub - 01253 476480, Central Family Hub - 01253 951190, South Family Hub - 01253 476550
Aiming Higher
Personal Budgets
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Highfurlong School
SpecialSpen Brook School
SpecialWoodlands School
SpecialBlackpool Skills Academy
SpecialNorman House Independent School
SpecialMarton Primary Academy and Nursery
PrimaryUnderstanding school SEND provision
Schools in England provide SEND support at different levels. Here's what each type means:
Specialist School
A school that exclusively educates children with SEND. Smaller classes (typically 6-12 pupils), staff trained in specific needs, and environments designed for children who need more support than mainstream can provide. Places are usually named in an EHCP.
SEN Unit
A dedicated unit within a mainstream school, staffed by specialists. Children are on the roll of the unit but may join mainstream classes for some lessons. Offers a middle ground - specialist support with mainstream social opportunities. Usually requires an EHCP.
Resource Base
Extra resourced provision attached to a mainstream school. Children are on the mainstream roll but can access additional support, equipment, and specialist staff. Some resource bases focus on specific needs like autism or speech and language.
SEN Support (Mainstream)
Every mainstream school has a legal duty to identify and support children with SEND. This includes having a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), providing reasonable adjustments, and putting in place SEN Support plans. You don't need an EHCP for SEN Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families about SEND support in Blackpool.
Navigating SEND in Blackpool?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for EHCP reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
See How JakTrack Helps
Social Care
Children's Social Care - Complex Needs Team