SEND Services in Bristol
Bristol, a vibrant urban city and unitary authority in the South West, offers robust SEND support tailored to its diverse population of over 700,000 residents, with services shaped by strong partnerships between schools, careers coaches, and local providers. Outcomes for children with Education Health and Care Plans here now surpass national averages, while recent innovations like a new digital top-up funding portal streamline extra support for pupils in mainstream settings. You're not alone - impartial help is always available through SEND And You (SAY), Bristol's dedicated SENDIASS, to guide you every step of the way.
With Bristol's new digital top-up funding portal making extra support more accessible, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared and in control by quietly building a rich picture of your child's needs from everyday moments. Starting early lets that evidence grow naturally over time, so when you connect with SEND And You or step into EHCP reviews, you walk in supported, patterns clear, and ready to advocate confidently. You're already doing so much - let JakTrack lighten the load and bring that sense of calm. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
168
Schools
16
Specialist
24
SEN Units & Resource Bases
70,173
Total Pupils
11,887 pupils
3,550 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 Bristol's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
SEND And You (SAY)
SEND Team
Portage
Occupational Therapy
Disabled Children's Occupational Therapy Service
Social care occupational therapy service for disabled children
Speech and Language Therapy
Children's Speech and Language Therapy
Provided by Community Children's Health Partnership (CCHP)
Other Services
Bristol Autism Team
Bristol Autism Team
CAMHS - Child and Family Consultation Services
Child and Family Consultation Services
Home to School Travel
Home to School Travel Team
Preparing for Adulthood / Transition
Pathway to Independence
Mediation / Disagreement Resolution
Global Mediation
Sensory Support Service
Sensory Support Service
Wheelchair Service
Bristol Centre for Enablement
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Service
Contact through SEND team
Early Help
Early Help Team
Personal Budgets
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Belgrave School
SpecialBriarwood School
SpecialNot judgedClaremont School
SpecialElmfield School for Deaf Children
SpecialKingsweston School
SpecialGoodKnowle DGE Academy
SpecialGoodAvonside School
SpecialElmtree Grove School Ltd
SpecialGrace Garden School
SpecialManor Wood School
SpecialFishponds CofE Primary School
PrimaryGoodOasis Academy New Oak
PrimaryGoodAshton Park School
SecondaryGoodBlaise High School
SecondaryGoodBroomhill Infant & Nursery School
PrimaryGoodCompass Point Primary School
PrimaryGoodEaston CofE Primary School
PrimaryNot judgedFairfield High School
SecondaryHenbury Court Primary Academy
PrimaryNot judgedMay Park Primary School
PrimaryRequires ImprovementOasis Academy Brislington
SecondaryGoodOasis Academy Long Cross
PrimarySefton Park Infant School
PrimaryGoodUnderstanding 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 Bristol.
Navigating SEND in Bristol?
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
Disabled Children's Services
Children's social care for disabled children and their families