SEND Services in Sunderland
Sunderland, a vibrant metropolitan borough in the North East, offers dedicated SEND support in a region where families can access impartial guidance through Sunderland SENDIASS to navigate local services with confidence. As a bustling urban authority, it provides a range of provisions tailored to its diverse communities, helping children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities thrive alongside their peers. Parents new to the system will find reassurance in the area's commitment to timely assessments and collaborative family involvement, ensuring every child gets the right help without unnecessary delays.
Complementing Sunderland's commitment to timely assessments and family involvement, JakTrack empowers parents to feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as they log everyday moments like sleep, meals, and behaviour. The app's gentle AI insights reveal patterns over time, making those crucial SENDIASS consultations or EHCP meetings feel like natural next steps rather than daunting hurdles. Starting early builds a quiet strength of evidence that grows with your child, turning uncertainty into quiet confidence. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
123
Schools
12
Specialist
23
SEN Units & Resource Bases
42,257
Total Pupils
6,967 pupils
2,183 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 Sunderland's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
Sunderland SENDIASS
Parent Carer Forum
Sunderland Parent Carer Forum
Parent carer voice organisation representing families of children and young people with SEND
SEND Team
Portage
Sunderland Portage Service
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Service
Provides psychological assessment and support for children and young people with SEND
Occupational Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Other Services
Autism Outreach Team
Complex Behaviour Service
Dynamic Support Register
Children's Continuing Care
Children's Palliative Care
Hospital Learning Disability Team
Health Transition Nursing Team
Family Fund
Disability Access Fund
Early Years Additional SEND Payments
Mediation Services
Changing Places Toilets
Blue Badge Scheme
Max Card
Cinema Exhibitors Association Card
Child Development Centre (CDC)
Autism Assessment / Autism team
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)
Home to School Transport / Travel Assistance
Mediation / Disagreement Resolution
Preparing for Adulthood / Transition team
Wheelchair Service
Sensory Support Service (hearing/visual impairment)
Personal Budgets / Direct Payments
Early Help / Family Support
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Ashbrooke School
SpecialColumbia Grange School
SpecialEducation and Services for People with Autism
SpecialPortland Academy
SpecialGoodSunningdale School
SpecialThornhill Park School
SpecialEndeavour SR
SpecialHarry Watts Academy
SpecialOutstandingThe Poplars
SpecialFarringdon Community Academy
SecondaryRequires ImprovementHetton Academy
SecondaryNot judgedJohn F Kennedy Primary School
PrimaryNew Penshaw Academy
PrimaryNorthern Saints Church of England Academy
PrimaryOxclose Nursery School
NurseryOxclose Primary Academy
PrimaryGoodThorney Close Primary School
PrimaryGoodUsworth Colliery 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 Sunderland.
Navigating SEND in Sunderland?
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 Disabilities Team
Social care support for disabled children and their families