SEND Services in Somerset
Somerset, a largely rural county in the South West, is actively expanding SEND support in Somerset by opening new specialist units in mainstream schools across towns like Bridgwater, Taunton and Cheddar, creating over 250 additional high needs places in the next three years to keep children closer to home and their communities. These changes form part of urgent reforms to address rising demand and financial pressures, including a predicted £100m deficit facing the council, while aligning with recent national SEND proposals welcomed by local leaders for emphasising inclusion in mainstream settings. For impartial guidance through this evolving landscape, Somerset SENDIAS is here to help at 01823 355578 or [email protected], offering reassurance that support is improving step by step.
As Somerset expands specialist units to keep children closer to their communities, JakTrack empowers families to feel prepared and in control amid these changes, turning everyday moments into a growing body of evidence that strengthens your voice in EHCP processes and appointments. Starting early lets that evidence build naturally over time, so you walk into meetings feeling truly supported and heard. It's the quiet companion that makes navigating this journey feel a little less daunting, every single day. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
306
Schools
30
Specialist
18
SEN Units & Resource Bases
80,188
Total Pupils
11,537 pupils
4,342 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 Somerset's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Somerset SENDIAS
Parent Carer Forum
Somerset Parent Carer Forum
Offer peer support, as well as advice and information around young people with SEND
SEND Team
Somerset SEND Team
Short Breaks
Short breaks informationOccupational Therapy
Children and Young People's Therapy Service (CYPTS)
Advice Line open 9am to 12pm Monday to Thursday (not available on Bank Holidays)
Other Services
Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
National Deaf CAMHS
Wheelchair Service
Supported Employment
Personal Budgets / Direct Payments
Early Help / Family Support
Autism Pathway / Autism Assessment
Continence Service
Schools
3 Dimensions
SpecialAurora Foxes
SpecialAvalon School
SpecialCambian Lufton College
SpecialCambian Somerset School
SpecialCritchill Special School
SpecialNot judgedFiveways Special School
SpecialOutstandingInaura School
SpecialMarchant Holliday School
SpecialNorth Hill House
SpecialPetherton Park School
SpecialPolden Bower School
SpecialGoodSedgemoor Manor School
SpecialSelworthy Special School
SpecialSomerset Progressive School
SpecialWessex Lodge School
SpecialAbbot's Way School
SpecialChilton Bridge School
SpecialCompton Dundon School
SpecialDovecote School
SpecialFromefield Manor School
SpecialNewbury Manor School
SpecialPark House School
SpecialSilver Bridge School
SpecialThe Levels School
SpecialThe Orchard School
SpecialBrookside Community Primary School
PrimaryBurnham-On-Sea Infant School
PrimaryRequires ImprovementDulverton Junior School
PrimaryNot judgedHolway Park Community Primary School
PrimaryGoodHorizons Therapeutic Education Trust
SpecialKnights Templar Community Church School & Nursery
PrimaryNot judgedWestover Green Community School and Autism Centre
PrimaryGoodBridgwater College Academy
All-throughRequires ImprovementMonkton Wood Academy
SecondaryInadequateOaklands Primary School
PrimaryGoodPreston School 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 Somerset.
Navigating SEND in Somerset?
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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Social Care
Children with Disabilities Service