SEND Services in Central Bedfordshire
Central Bedfordshire Council is actively investing in local SEND support, having recently secured £6.5 million in capital funding to expand specialist provision across the area. This commitment reflects a shift towards community-based services, ensuring that children and young people with SEND can access high-quality support closer to home rather than travelling further afield. With 6.3% of pupils in Central Bedfordshire schools holding an Education, Health and Care Plan, the local authority recognises the growing need for accessible provision and is working to deliver it with greater flexibility and responsiveness. If you're new to navigating SEND support in Central Bedfordshire, the Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is here to provide independent, confidential guidance every step of the way.
As Central Bedfordshire builds this more flexible, community-based support closer to home, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared and in control right from the start - tracking your child's daily patterns in a way that builds a clear, compelling picture of their needs over time. Starting early means you'll walk into SENDIASS meetings or EHCP reviews supported by your own insights, turning overwhelming moments into ones where you advocate confidently for what your family truly needs. It's that quiet companion that helps you breathe easier amid the journey. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
134
Schools
7
Specialist
18
SEN Units & Resource Bases
49,740
Total Pupils
5,679 pupils
3,128 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 Central Bedfordshire's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
Hours: Monday to Friday during term time
Parent Carer Forum
SNAP (Special Needs Action Panel) Parent Carer Forum
Parent carer forum representing families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Central Bedfordshire. Provides peer support, information and works to improve services.
Facebook pageEHCP
EHCP request formSEN Team
EHC Team
For EHC Needs Assessments: [email protected], For Annual Reviews: [email protected], For Appeals: [email protected]
Median assessment: 20 weeks (legal limit: 20)
SEND Team
SEND Team
Main contact for SEND services in Central Bedfordshire. Coordinates Education, Health and Care Plans and works with families, schools and other professionals to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Short Breaks
Short breaks informationVarious providers offer short breaks including residential respite, day activities, after school clubs and holiday schemes. Eligibility criteria apply and assessments are required.
Portage
Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Advisory Team
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Service
Occupational Therapy
Children's Occupational Therapy Service
Referrals accepted from health professionals, education settings and social care. Service covers assessment, intervention and equipment provision.
Speech and Language Therapy
Children Speech And Language Therapy Service
Provides assessment, therapy, training and advice. Covers all aspects of communication including speech sounds, language understanding and use, social communication, and eating and drinking.
Other Services
ADHD Support Services
Autism Support Services
Child Development Centre
Community Dental Services
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Keech Hospice Children's Services
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
Crisis Support Services
Wheelchair Services
Sensory Support Services
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Esland Bedford School
SpecialIvel Valley School & College
SpecialThe Chiltern School
SpecialClaystone School
SpecialStannard School
SpecialBrooklands Middle School
Middle deemed secondaryGoodManshead Church of England Academy
SecondaryGoodSilsoe CofE VC Lower School
PrimaryGoodArnold Academy
Middle deemed secondaryGoodHarlington Upper School
SecondaryGoodLancot School
PrimaryParkfields Middle School
Middle deemed secondaryGoodRamsey Manor Lower School
PrimaryNot judgedSamuel Whitbread Academy
SecondarySt Andrew's CofE VC Primary School
PrimaryThe Rushmere Park Academy
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 Central Bedfordshire.
Navigating SEND in Central Bedfordshire?
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 and Early Help