Difference between Specialist and Special School

[CuriousityKatkin]

Could anyone explain the difference between a Special School and a Specialist School? Is it simply because the latter is independent and the former LA maintained? Are they the same thing or are there differences in the type of children they will take? Also does one have to conform to stricter standards of SEN provision and care? Is a Specialist school even SEN? Would really appreciate any wisdom as finding it all rather confusing - thanks so much!

I too had this trouble myself.

Yes the most obvious difference is that a special school is LA maintained and an independent special school is not.

Some special schools cater for a wide range of needs. So they are not specific to SEN. Though you do find special units that are specific to kids eg. Autism, language impairment.

The problem is, there are kids who seem high functioning for a special school, but not deemed appropriate for a mainstream school and needs a lot of support than a special unit can offer. That's where independent school come in.

Most of them have a strict entry criterial. The kids will have to be assessed in a school for a number of days to see whether they are deemed appropriate for the schools. Also, a majority of independent special school are for the type of kids who are either high functioning for a special school but will not be appropriate in a mainstream setting. Also, they have access to the FULL national curriculum.

They also have therapy onsite. The children get more therapy input and so on.

I think those are the differences anyway.