SEND Services in Northumberland
Northumberland, a largely rural county in the North East, offers SEND support tailored to its spread-out communities, where services prioritise quicker access and local inclusion amid rising demand. Families here benefit from Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued much faster than the national average, with 77% completed within the 20-week limit compared to just 46% across England, even as needs grow more complex. While funding pressures are mounting due to increased EHCP numbers and school exclusions, the Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service (NIASS) stands ready to guide you through options with expert, impartial advice. You're not alone - strong local progress in education outcomes and mainstream placements shows commitment to helping every child thrive.
With Northumberland's NIASS offering vital guidance through your EHCP journey, JakTrack steps in as your everyday companion, helping you feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as you build a clear picture of your child's needs. It quietly gathers daily insights from those routine moments, turning them into powerful evidence that grows stronger over time - so starting early means walking into reviews with quiet confidence. You're already doing the hardest part; JakTrack ensures it all counts when it matters most. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
176
Schools
16
Specialist
19
SEN Units & Resource Bases
45,407
Total Pupils
6,536 pupils
3,177 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 Northumberland's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service (NIASS)
Other Services
Northumberland Holiday Provision
Family Hubs
Growing Healthy 0-19 Northumberland
Best Start in Life Parent Hub
Childcare Support Eligibility Checker
Northumberland Skills
Emotional Health, Child Development and Parent Wellbeing
Northumberland Frontline - Local Health and Wellbeing Services
School Admissions
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Barndale School
SpecialGoodCambian Dilston College
SpecialCleaswell Hill School
SpecialCollingwood School & Media Arts College
SpecialGoodCramlington Hillcrest School
SpecialEmily Wilding Davison School
SpecialGoodHexham Priory School
SpecialHoward House School
SpecialNCEA Castle School
SpecialGoodThe Dales School
SpecialThe Grove Special School
SpecialAzure College
SpecialGust Independent School
SpecialRosewood Independent School
SpecialThe Apex Academy
SpecialBerwick St Mary's Church of England Primary School
PrimaryCambois Primary School
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 Northumberland.
Navigating SEND in Northumberland?
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