SEND Services in Durham
In Durham, a county blending urban centres with extensive rural areas, SEND support is tailored to meet the needs of around one in five school-aged children, a proportion higher than the national average, reflecting a committed local response to growing demand. The area benefits from a comprehensive SEND Strategy for 2022-24 and supporting action plans that emphasise joint working across education, health, and care, alongside strengths like higher-than-average apprenticeship uptake for young people aged 16-17. Parents can access impartial guidance through the Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), helping navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.
In Durham's evolving SEND landscape, where joint working across services is key, JakTrack empowers families to feel prepared and in control by quietly building a rich evidence base from everyday moments like sleep, meals, and behaviour. Starting early means those higher apprenticeship opportunities for 16-17 year olds become tangible goals, as AI insights reveal patterns and ready you for EHCP reviews or appointments with calm confidence. You'll walk into every meeting supported, not scrambling, knowing your child's story is organised and at your fingertips. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
275
Schools
17
Specialist
19
SEN Units & Resource Bases
75,080
Total Pupils
12,003 pupils
3,826 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 Durham's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Durham SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
EHCP
SEND Team
Short Breaks
Portage
Educational Psychology
Occupational Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Families Information Service
Tree Tops Children's Occupational Therapy
Alan Shearer Activity Centre
Durham Shared Lives Scheme
Darlington Association on Disability - Direct Payments Support Service
Darlington Association on Disability - Independent Living Hub
Multiple Sclerosis Society - North Durham Group
Child Brain Injury Trust
The 3H Foundation
Trinity Homecare - Live-in Care
East Durham Community Transport Ltd
Disabled Motoring UK
Locate
Help To Health Volunteer Patient Transport
Gateway Wheelers
Shopmobility - Durham City
The Motability Scheme
Access Bus Scheme
Disabled Persons Railcard
Oceanside Retreat
Penshaw Equestrian Centre - Changing Lives Through Horses
GriffinOT online occupational therapy support for primary school children
Future Steps Occupational Therapy
Investing in Children
Pyramid Educational Consultants Ltd (PECS)
Durham Healthy Minds
Blue Sky Trust
The Movement Centre
Multiple Sclerosis UK (MS-UK)
Sibs - For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults
Define Fine - Parent Peer Support for children with School Attendance Difficulties
DNA Testing Services
Clothing Solutions (for Disabled People)
SENse Support Services
Family Fund
Care Connect - Community Alarm Service
Equipment Advice Service
Learning Disabilities Floating Support, Home Group – Care and Support
Canee Cleaning
Supportive Domiciliary Care
The Chronicle Sunshine Fund
Child Bereavement UK
Waythrough LGBT+ North East
Durham City Youth Project
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Croft Community School
SpecialGoodDurham Trinity School & Sports College
SpecialEvergreen Primary School
SpecialHighcroft School
SpecialHope Wood Academy
SpecialNorth East Centre for Autism - Aycliffe School
SpecialThe Grange Learning Centre
SpecialThe Meadows Academy
SpecialRequires ImprovementThe Oaks Secondary School
SpecialThornbeck College - North East Autism Society
SpecialForest Park School
SpecialLearning for Life
SpecialStrawberry Lane
SpecialTrimdon Hill School
SpecialGreenland Community Primary School
PrimaryBelmont Cheveley Park Primary School
PrimaryGoodChester-Le-Street CofE (Controlled) Primary School
PrimaryGoodDurham Academy
SecondaryRequires ImprovementLeadgate Primary School - Split Site
PrimaryWheatley Hill Community Primary 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 Durham.
Navigating SEND in Durham?
JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for EHCP reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.
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Social Care