Schools and Settings in Birmingham

Resource Bases

A resource base is a classroom based within a mainstream school providing education for pupils with additional needs. Resource bases have been set up to provide pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum that is highly differentiated in order to support them in achieving their full potential. They are attached to mainstream schools giving pupils the opportunity to be part of mainstream activities and lessons and to socialise with their peers whilst their individual needs are supported.

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Special Schools

A special school is a school which caters for children and young people with severe, profound and complex special educational needs. Different schools specialise in supporting different kinds of needs such as autism, severe learning difficulties, visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech, language and communication, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Special schools provide a broad and balanced curriculum which is appropriately modified to support the needs of any individual child. The whole spectrum of children’s needs is supported through the involvement of many education, health and care professionals.

Who can access a special school?

A special school is suitable for pupils with complex special educational needs. When considering whether a child or young person is suitable for a placement, professionals will consider a range of criteria. Part of the criteria will be the student’s cognitive ability and their scores on standardised testing, as well as individual pupil profiles of needs.

How to access a special school

  • The local authority is the admissions authority for all special schools.
  • Admission criteria for special schools is set out in the admissions criteria booklet.
  • A decision making group within the local authority will discuss each pupil being considered for admission and recommend the appropriateness of the placement.
  • Usually, pupils will be admitted at the beginning of an academic year, but in exceptional circumstances, an extraordinary admissions panel will be convened to determine the appropriateness of the provision.
  • The referrals process starts in the autumn term for the following September intake and places confirmed in March prior to entry.
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Independent Schools and Colleges

Although the majority of children and young people with special educational needs will have their needs met in either their local mainstream school, college, resource base, or special school, a few may need something different. There are a range of independent schools and colleges for children with special educational needs or disabilities.