SEND Services in Sefton
Sefton is a metropolitan authority in the North West that has recently refreshed its SEND strategy to place families and young people at the heart of decision-making, with a clear commitment that every child with SEND should thrive in their local community with timely and effective support. The council is actively expanding local specialist provision, including plans for a new SEND school at the former Litherland Moss site that could serve over 160 children and young people with autism and complex needs, reducing the need for families to travel out of borough for education. If you're new to the SEND system in Sefton, Sefton SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support Service) is your independent source of guidance - they can help you understand the assessment process, your rights, and what support is available to your child. The council's focus on four key priorities - feeling included, developing local provision, improving transitions to adulthood, and strengthening communication - means there's genuine momentum behind improving how SEND support works in practice.
With Sefton's strong emphasis on strengthening communication and placing families at the heart of decision-making, JakTrack empowers you to feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as you gather everyday evidence like sleep, meals, and behaviour patterns. The app's gentle AI insights help you spot what's working for your child, making appointments and EHCP processes less daunting while checking benefit eligibility along the way. Starting early lets that evidence build naturally over time, giving you a clear voice in your child's journey right from the start. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
114
Schools
15
Specialist
18
SEN Units & Resource Bases
42,280
Total Pupils
6,769 pupils
2,615 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 Sefton's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Sefton SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support Service)
SEND Team
Sefton SEN and Inclusion Service (SENIS)
Short Breaks
Aiming High Team
Portage
Portage Team
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Service
Occupational Therapy
Liverpool Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. (LOTS)
Speech and Language Therapy
Children's Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Aiming High Short Breaks
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
ASD and ADHD Specialist Team
Early Help Service
Children's Social Care Team
Home to School Transport
Designated Clinical Officer for SEND
Moving Forward to Adulthood Team
Early Years SEND Team
Health Visiting Service
Virtual School
Supports cared for children and previously cared for children
Autism and Social Communication Team
Complex Needs Team within Sefton's SEN and Inclusion Service
Sleep Service
Aiming High Sleep Service - early intervention and prevention for sleep deprivation
Challenging Behaviour Foundation
Mediation Service
Mediation for SEND disputes - not compulsory but available before tribunal
Preparing for Adulthood Team
Alder Hey Complex Care Support Team for transition to adult services
CAMHS
ADHD Service
Sensory Support Service
Merseyside Society for Deaf People - sensory support services
Sensory Support Service (Hearing)
Audiology Services
Wheelchair Service
Integrated Care Team
Falls Prevention Team
Vaccinations and Immunisations Team
Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 Transitions Support
Kinship/Special Guardian Support Team
Learning Disabilities Health Check Scheme
Housing Options Team
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Arden College
SpecialCrosby High School
SpecialNot judgedMerefield School
SpecialOlsen House School
SpecialPresfield High School and Specialist College
SpecialRowan Park School
SpecialAcre View Primary School
SpecialEduc8 Liverpool
SpecialEduc8 Southport
SpecialFoundations for LIFE School
SpecialPANDA Schools
SpecialSENDSCOPE
SpecialThe Motiv8 School
SpecialBishop David Sheppard Church of England Primary School
PrimaryGoodFreshfield Primary School
PrimaryOutstandingHoly Family Catholic High School
SecondaryHudson Primary School
PrimaryGoodRedgate Community Primary School
PrimarySt Michaels Church of England Academy
SecondaryInadequateThe Grange Primary School
PrimaryGoodThomas Gray Primary School
PrimaryGoodCambridge Nursery School
NurseryGreenacre Community Nursery School
NurseryKings Meadow Primary School and Early Years Education Centre
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 Sefton.
Navigating SEND in Sefton?
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 with Complex Needs Service
Service Manager: Stephen Shaw. Social Care Advice Line available. Designated Social Care Officer for SEND 0-25: Rufus Beer (07805302521)