Do special schools follow the national curriculum?

Who must follow the national curriculum? Pupils of compulsory school age in community and foundation schools, including community special schools and foundation special schools, and in voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled schools must follow the national curriculum.

Do special schools have to follow the national curriculum?

Community and foundation special schools must teach all National Curriculum subjects to pupils. But, you can deviate from the age-related expectations of each Key Stage where you believe they are inappropriate for individual pupils.

What schools don't follow the national curriculum?

Other types of school, like academies and private schools, do not have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach relationships and sex education, and religious education.

What are the disadvantages of special schools?

Lack of integration: Students may only learn and interact with peers with special needs. They thus won't be exposed to a wide range of influences. Stigma: The label special needs can have a stigma or negative connotation. Being in a special needs program can reinforce this.

Do free schools follow the national curriculum?

They can make their own decisions when it comes to a range of issues, particularly because they don't have to follow the national curriculum. Free schools can decide what to teach their pupils.

Do Independent Schools Follow The National Curriculum? - CountyOffice.org

What types of schools follow the national curriculum?

community schools, which are sometimes called local authority maintained schools - they are not influenced by business or religious groups and follow the national curriculum.

How are specialist schools funded?

Special schools are funded from the high needs block

Supports provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Is provided to local authorities (LAs) through the high needs block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG)

What is the biggest problem with special education?

One of the most significant challenges in special education is creating and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that truly reflect the needs of students. An IEP is a legal document that outlines the support and services a student with disabilities should receive to succeed in school.

What makes special schools different?

Advantages of special schools

Work is geared to the child's individual needs and linked carefully to their own targets. Teaching and assessment are matched closely to learning styles and strengths. Children have a peer group with similar needs, so they don't feel different and find it easier to make friends.

Why should a child go to a special school?

In an SEN school, your child will have far more chance to socialise, interact and make friends with others of a similar situation and circumstances to them. This means, they will be able to develop their social interaction skills in a safe and appropriate environment.

Why don't private schools follow the national curriculum?

There are many reasons why a private or independent school may choose to provide a separate curriculum, depending on the nature of the school. For example, some schools may have a particular academic focus, such as science, technology, languages or sports, and a unique curriculum can emphasise this aspect.

Can I withdraw my child from PE?

Parents can not withdraw their children from this statutory element of the National Curriculum, unless the child has an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan).

Can schools choose not to follow the national curriculum?

Do all schools have to teach the national curriculum? Currently, academies and independent schools don't have to follow the national curriculum.

How to make a curriculum for special education?

Do special schools get inspected by Ofsted?

Ofsted's education inspection framework (EIF) sets out how Ofsted inspects schools and other education settings in England. All parts of the EIF apply to state funded and non-maintained special schools, PRUs, alternative provision (AP), and mainstream schools.

What curriculum do SEN schools follow?

3.3 Pupils of compulsory school age in community and foundation schools, including community special schools and foundation special schools, and in voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools, must follow the national curriculum.

Can a special school say they are full?

The local authority can only rely on this exception if it can show there are no reasonable steps possible to prevent this incompatibility. Schools saying they are full is not sufficient – they have an active duty to evidence this incompatibility. In practice, this can be difficult to show.

What is the difference between mainstream schools and special schools?

Mainstream schools may offer a wider range of academic subjects and GCSEs. Some specialist schools focus more on teaching life skills, which may be more useful for some children. What is right for your child will depend on their needs and personality.

Which disability area is the largest in special education?

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) is by far the largest category of disability within the Individuals for Disabilities Education Act.

What are the most common special educational needs?

What are three causes for special educational needs and disabilities?

Do schools get money for autistic children?

All mainstream schools receive money for special educational needs support and resources. Schools can decide how to spend this money.

Which government introduced specialist schools?

New Labour 1997 - 2010

In 1997, New Labour came into power and introduced several changes to the education system in the UK. While they kept the existing elements of the system, such as league tables, funding formulas, open enrolment, and Ofsted, they also introduced specialist schools.

Why is sen increasing?

This is driven by larger increases in the number of pupils in state-funded AP schools with an EHC plan. The percentage of all pupils with an EHC plan who are in mainstream schools (state-funded primary and secondary) has increased from 54.4% to 56.2% in 2025, which continues the trend since 2018.