SEND Services in Reading
In Reading, a vibrant unitary authority in the South East, SEND support benefits from strong partnerships praised by Ofsted in 2024 for delivering competent, child-focused services to children with disabilities. Local initiatives like the new Reading Inclusion Support in Education (RISE) team and a 219% increase in additional resourced provision places show real commitment to inclusive education, while collaborations with Reading Families’ Forum have made resources like visual SEND journey roadmaps more accessible for families. For free, impartial guidance on navigating this system, contact the Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND at 0118 9373641 or [email protected] - you're not alone in this journey.
Complementing Reading's child-focused services like the RISE team and visual SEND journey roadmaps, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared and in control as your child's evidence builds effortlessly over time - starting early means walking into EHCP meetings or appointments with clear patterns from daily life, ready to advocate confidently. No more second-guessing or scrambling for notes; it's that quiet support that lets you focus on what matters most, knowing you're backed by insights tailored just for your family. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
72
Schools
5
Specialist
15
SEN Units & Resource Bases
27,508
Total Pupils
4,109 pupils
1,186 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 Reading's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
EHCP
EHCP request formSEN Team
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team
Median assessment: 20 weeks (legal limit: 20)
SEND Team
SEND Team - Brighter Futures for Children
Portage
Reading Educational Play and Support Team
RG30 2ND
Home-visiting educational support for pre-school children
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychologists
Educational Psychology services are provided through Brighter Futures for Children
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy - Children & Young People 0-18
Referrals can be made through the BFfC website
Speech and Language Therapy
Children, Young People's and Families (CYPF) Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Child Development Centre
Early Help
Sensory Support Service
Autism Pathway
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
Personal Budgets / Direct Payments
Home to School Transport
Mediation / Disagreement Resolution
Preparing for Adulthood / Transition team
Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
Keyworking Team Berkshire West
Family Information Service
Child Development Centre (CDC)
Autism Pathway / Autism Assessment
Berkshire West Autism & ADHD Support Service
Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance
Reading Borough Council
Wheelchair Service
Autochair
Continence Service
Sensory Support Service (hearing/visual impairment)
Berkshire Vision
Adult Hearing and Balance (Audiology)
Autism Pathway/Assessment Service
Preparing for Adulthood/Transition Service
Mediation/Disagreement Resolution
Personal Budgets/Direct Payments
Self Injury Support
SEND Carers United
Make Sense Theatre
Chance to Dance Stars CIC
Better Leisure SEND Soft Play
Sense Active
Reading FC Disability Services
Sensory Circuit Ideas
Shine Charity
SignHealth
Sign Solutions
Sibs
Swings and Smiles
Thames Valley Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club
Tourettes Action
Variety, the Children's Charity
Virtue Gymnastics
Watermill Theatre Yes And
Wellington Country Park
West Berkshire Mencap
Whizz-Kidz
Children & Young People's Disabilities Team (CYPDT)
Children & Young People's Disabilities Team (CYPDT)
Children's Action Teams (CATs)
Children's Action Teams (CATs)
Children's Single Point of Access (CSPoA)
Children's Single Point of Access (CSPoA)
Autism Assessment and Support Services
Berkshire West Autism & ADHD Support Service
Preparing for Adulthood Services
Preparing for Adulthood Services
CAMHS
CAMHS
Direct Payments
Direct Payments Team
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
The Avenue Special School
SpecialGoodGroveside School
SpecialNew Bridge Nursery School
NurseryBlessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School
SecondaryChrist The King Catholic Primary School
PrimaryGoodE P Collier Primary School
PrimaryGoodHighdown School and Sixth Form Centre
SecondaryKing's Academy Prospect
SecondaryGoodNorcot Early Years Centre
NurserySouthcote 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 Reading.
Navigating SEND in Reading?
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 & Young People's Disabilities Team (CYPDT)