SEND Services in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a compact unitary authority in the South East, is actively planning to meet rising demand for SEND support in its schools through a dedicated School Place Planning Strategy that runs until 2029, with efforts to expand specialist places in special schools and inclusion centres while prioritising mainstream settings for as many children with EHCPs as possible. This comes amid national pressures where EHCP numbers have surged, yet Portsmouth is forecasting stabilisation at around 5% for new reception pupils from 2026/27 after sustaining high levels. For impartial advice tailored to your family's needs, contact Portsmouth SENDIASS - they're here to guide you every step of the way with calm, expert support.
As Portsmouth prioritises mainstream settings for children with EHCPs amid these changes, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared and in control by quietly building a rich evidence base from your daily life - think sleep, meals, and behaviours turning into clear patterns over time. Starting early means you'll walk into reviews or appointments with that steady sense of support, spotting insights and next steps effortlessly. It's like having a calm companion right in your pocket, helping you navigate with quiet confidence. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
64
Schools
5
Specialist
10
SEN Units & Resource Bases
30,170
Total Pupils
4,451 pupils
1,757 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 Portsmouth's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Portsmouth SENDIASS
Parent Carer Forum
Portsmouth Parent Voice
Helping parent carers of young people aged 0-25 with additional needs and disabilities to shape and improve local services
SEND Team
Special Educational Needs (SEN Team)
Educational Psychology
Occupational Therapy
NHS Solent Children's Occupational Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
NHS Solent Children's Speech & Language Therapy
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Mary Rose Academy
SpecialRedwood Park Academy
SpecialOutstandingArundel Court Primary Academy and Nursery
PrimaryDevonshire Infant School
PrimaryMilton Park Primary School
PrimaryGoodPenbridge Infant School & Nursery
PrimarySouthsea Infant School
PrimaryThe Portsmouth Academy
SecondarySt Edmund's Catholic School
SecondaryThe Flying Bull Academy
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 Portsmouth.
Navigating SEND in Portsmouth?
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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