SEND Services in Hackney
Hackney is a large inner-London borough with a diverse and growing population, and SEND support here reflects the complexity of serving a densely populated urban area with significant variation in family circumstances and needs. The borough has been working to strengthen its approach to inclusion and accessibility, recently moving towards Borough of Sanctuary status to embed a culture of welcome and reduce inequality for families navigating the SEND system. If you're new to SEND support in Hackney, the SEND Information Advice and Support service (SENDIAGS) offers free, impartial advice and advocacy to help you understand your rights and options - they're there to support you through the assessment process and beyond. This page brings together the key information about local provision, but SENDIAGS can also point you towards the specific support that fits your child's needs and your family's circumstances.
In Hackney's diverse and complex landscape, where family circumstances vary widely, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared and in control from the start, quietly building a clear picture of your child's daily patterns over time so you're ready for those SENDIAGS-guided assessments or EHCP steps. Parents tell us it brings a sense of calm support amid the urban bustle, turning scattered notes into confident conversations with professionals who understand your unique situation. Starting early means your evidence grows naturally, helping you advocate with quiet authority. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
104
Schools
5
Specialist
15
SEN Units & Resource Bases
42,790
Total Pupils
6,550 pupils
2,701 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 Hackney's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
SEND Information Advice and Support service (SENDIAGS)
Hours: Advice Line available
EHCP
EHCP request formSEN Team
Education, Health and Care Planning Team - EHCP Team
EHC Coordinators manage the statutory assessment process and EHC Plan development
SEND Team
Portage
Hackney's Portage Service
Home visiting education service for very young children aged 0-4 years with additional needs
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Parent Advice Sessions
Parent advice sessions available. Educational Psychology service providing assessments and support.
Occupational Therapy
Hackney Ark - Therapy Services
Occupational therapy services provided through Hackney Ark
Speech and Language Therapy
CATCH Clinic - Speech and Language Therapy Assessments Sessions
Assessment sessions for under 5's with communication, drinking or swallowing difficulties
Other Services
CAMHS Alliance
CAMHS Disability Service - Hackney Ark
Home-to-School Transport
Mediation Service
Global Mediation
Hackney Ark - Children and young people's centre for development and disability
Community Children's Nursing Team
Autism Family Practitioner
Direct Payments Support Service
Children's Audiology Hackney Ark
HIT Squad - Short Breaks
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Ickburgh School
SpecialLeaways School
SpecialSide By Side School
SpecialComet Nursery School and Children's Centre
NurseryGainsborough Primary School
PrimaryGoodMillfields Community School
PrimaryMossbourne Community Academy
SecondaryOutstandingNightingale Primary School
PrimaryGoodShoreditch Park Primary School
PrimaryOutstandingThe Excelsior Academy
SecondaryGoodUnderstanding 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 Hackney.
Navigating SEND in Hackney?
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 Service
E8 1DY
All referrals must come through Hackney MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub). Provides child and family needs assessments and support for disabled children.