SEND Services in St Helens
In St Helens, a metropolitan borough in the North West with higher deprivation levels than the national average, SEND support reflects a growing need among school pupils, now at 21.3% locally compared to similar rising trends across England. The local authority has seen steady increases in Education, Health and Care plans, reaching 4.3% of pupils by 2022-23, alongside efforts to strengthen early years identification and support. Parents navigating this can turn to the St Helens Information, Advice and Support Service for impartial guidance, knowing the area is committed to improving outcomes despite challenges like lower academic progress for some SEND pupils.
With rising EHCP numbers in St Helens putting more on families' plates, JakTrack steps in as your quiet ally, helping you feel prepared and in control for those pivotal appointments and reviews. It turns everyday moments into a growing evidence base that builds strength over time - starting early means walking into meetings supported by clear patterns, without the overwhelm. Families here tell us it brings a real sense of calm, knowing you're not navigating alone. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
77
Schools
10
Specialist
5
SEN Units & Resource Bases
27,397
Total Pupils
4,503 pupils
1,769 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 St Helens's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
St Helens Information, Advice and Support Service
SEND Team
St Helens IASS
Short Breaks
Portage
Educational Psychology
Occupational Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Autism Pathway / Autism Assessment
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
Neurodevelopmental Pathway Team
Developmental Paediatrics
Wheelchair Service
Continence Service
Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance
Mediation / Disagreement Resolution
Preparing for Adulthood / Transition team
Mental Health Support Team in Schools
School Admissions Team
Key worker / Named worker service
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Lansbury Bridge School
SpecialLearn 4 Life School
SpecialProgress Arc Billinge School
SpecialA.R.T.S. Education
SpecialAscent Autism Specialist College
SpecialAsh Meadow School
SpecialThis Is My Education - TIME
SpecialAshurst Primary School
PrimaryGoodOutwood Academy Haydock
SecondaryNot judgedRectory CofE Primary School
PrimaryRequires ImprovementUnderstanding 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 St Helens.
Navigating SEND in St Helens?
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