SEND Services in West Sussex
West Sussex, a county blending urban centres with extensive rural areas, is actively strengthening SEND support through its ongoing Improvement Plan, launched in partnership with NHS Sussex, which has boosted the number of finalised EHCPs and steadily reduced assessment times towards the 20-week target. While demand for these plans has surged faster here than nationally or in neighbouring areas, placing pressure on special school places, positive steps include plans for new specialist provision and a forthcoming SEND Strategy for 2026-2030 to guide long-term improvements. Parents can turn to the West Sussex SENDIAS for free, impartial advice to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.
With West Sussex's evolving SEND landscape and shorter EHCP assessment times, JakTrack empowers families to feel prepared and in control by quietly building a rich evidence base from everyday moments like sleep, meals, and behaviour. Starting early means you'll walk into appointments supported by clear AI-spotted patterns and tailored insights, turning uncertainty into quiet confidence as your child's needs become undeniably visible over time. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & SEND Provision
335
Schools
34
Specialist
42
SEN Units & Resource Bases
130,832
Total Pupils
21,045 pupils
6,899 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 West Sussex's Local OfferIASS
Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.
West Sussex SENDIAS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service)
Parent Carer Forum
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum
West Sussex Parent Carer Forum is invited to represent parent carers
EHCP
SEN Team
Special Education Needs Assessment Team (SENAT)
SEND Team
West Sussex Local Offer Team
Telephone lines are normally open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except for bank holidays.
Portage
West Sussex Portage Service
The West Sussex Portage Service is guided by the National Portage Association (NPA) principles
Other Services
Family Information Service
SEND Under 5 Support
Stay and Play Sessions
Mediation Service
Sensory Support Service
Visual Support and Assessment Service
Autism Social Communication Team (ASCT)
Tools for Schools
Designated Social Care Officer
Natalie Mcneill
Single Point of Access (SPoA)
e-wellbeing service
Young Voices Youth Forum
Reaching Families
New EHCPs by Primary Need
Schools
Apple Orchard School
SpecialCentral Education Ltd
SpecialFarney Close School
SpecialHerons Dale School
SpecialLVS Hassocks
SpecialManor Green College
SpecialManor Green Primary School
SpecialManor House School
SpecialMy Choice School Arundel
SpecialNew Barn School
SpecialOak Grove College
SpecialPalatine Primary School
SpecialPhilpots Manor School
SpecialQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, Horsham
SpecialSeadown School
SpecialSpringboard Education
SpecialSt Anthony's School
SpecialOutstandingThe Amicus School
SpecialWoodlands Meed
SpecialAmberley Court School
SpecialAurora Vincent House School
SpecialBrighton Forward Ltd
SpecialConifers House School
SpecialCourtlands Independent Special School
SpecialHambrook School
SpecialHove Micro-School
SpecialRed Balloon Worthing Learner Centre
SpecialSerenity School Crawley
SpecialLondon Meed Community Primary School
PrimaryGoodParklands Community Primary School
PrimaryThe Littlehampton Academy
SecondaryGoodThomas Bennett Community College
SecondaryGoodWarden Park Secondary Academy
SecondaryBarnham Primary School
PrimaryBourne Community College
SecondaryGoodDesmond Anderson Primary Academy
PrimaryGoodDurrington Junior School
PrimaryGoodFelpham Community College
SecondaryHazelwick School
SecondaryOutstandingMaidenbower Infant School and Nursery
PrimaryNot judgedMaidenbower Junior School
PrimaryNorthgate Primary School
PrimaryGoodOrchards Infant School
PrimaryRequires ImprovementOrchards Junior School
PrimaryOriel High School
SecondaryNot judgedOrmiston Six Villages Academy
SecondaryGoodPortfield Primary Academy
PrimaryRiver Beach Primary School
PrimaryNot judgedSt Margaret's Church of England Primary School
PrimaryGoodSt Margaret's CofE Primary School
PrimarySteyning Grammar School
SecondaryRequires ImprovementThe Angmering School
SecondaryGoodThe Regis School
SecondaryThree Bridges 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 West Sussex.
Navigating SEND in West Sussex?
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
Integrated Front Door (IFD) for West Sussex Children Services
Office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm). Out of hours enquiries (weekends and bank holidays): 07711 769657