SEND Schools and Providers
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school provision in Wirral is dedicated to providing inclusive and quality education to students with diverse needs. Wirral area offers a range of specialised schools that cater to the unique requirements of children and young people with SEND. These schools are equipped with experienced staff, specialised facilities, and tailored support services to meet the individual needs of students with a wide range of disabilities, learning difficulties, and developmental challenges. Wirral aims to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through personalised learning plans, individualised support, and a focus on promoting independence and well-being, the SEND school provision in Wirral strives to empower students to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Primary Schools (SEND)
Elleray Park School
Elleray Park is a primary special school that offers educational provision for pupils from 2-11 with severe learn- ing difficulties. These are often referred to as Complex Learning Difficulties on Wirral. The ability ranges from those pupils with very early developmental skills and profound physical and medical needs, to those pupils who are very expressive and go on to become fluent readers and excel with their numeracy skills during their time with us . Pupils at Elleray Park are grouped according to age and ability and we always ensure that each classroom is adapted accordingly to meets the needs of the pupils. Elleray Park has pupils with Profound and Multiple Leaning Difficulties, Autism and Complex Learning Difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Tel: 0151 271 3599
elleraypark.com
Gillbrook School
Gilbrook School provides for primary-age pupils who have a statement of special educational needs for social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Most pupils have additional learning difficulties and disabilities including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum conditions, specific and moderate learning difficulties, and communication difficulties. The proportion of pupils with additional complex needs, particularly autism, is increasing.
Tel: 0151 522 3900
gilbrookschool.co.uk
Hayfield School
Hayfield is a local authority, specialist school that strives to bring the highest quality of teaching and learning to pupils with social communication needs/autism, (including some with mainstream ability), or to pupils with moderate learning difficulties, (often with additional needs). But most importantly, we ensure that every child is respected and treated as an individual.
We try our very best to see the world as the child sees it, and work from their starting point. We have had National Autistic Society Accreditation for over ten years and our last OFSTED inspection rated us Good with Outstanding practice in our Early Years base. Currently children need to have a, Education Health Care Plan to be considered by Wirral Authority for a place at Hayfield.
We use a variety of approaches to ensure the children learn to the best of their ability, within a caring and close knit community. We provide structure, and routine.
We provide an eclectic mix of specialist approaches, including looking at children’s sensory and emotional needs. We provide an interesting and exciting curriculum, that we hope enables children to grow up with skills for life, as part of a local, national, and global community.
Tel: 0151 677 9303
Hayfield.wirral.sch
Orrets Meadow School
We are a special school for children aged 5-11, who have an EHCP for Social Communication Difficulties including Autism. We open school to pupils at 8.45am and close at 3.30pm. All of our children are working below age related expectations and have difficulties in reading and spelling. They may also have specific difficulties with maths, attention, social skills, speech and language, organisational skills, spatial awareness and fine/gross motor skills.
Orrets Meadow offers children ; specialist teachers in Autism, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, small classes of 10-12 pupils, tuition using multi-sensory techniques and a carefully structured approach with opportunities for reinforcement and revision. Our learning programmes and methods are tried and tested, but are flexible and adapted to suit the needs of the individual. Positive mental health, developing resilience and building a love of school and learning, are at the forefront of everything we do. The 3 values for all our staff and pupils are; Work Hard, Be Nice and Never Give up!
Tel: 0151 678 8070
orretsmeadow.wirral.sch
Stanley Special School
Our Children are at the heart of our school. Everything that we do is about ensuring that their school experience helps them develop both educationally and socially in an engaging, fun, caring and supportive environment.
When our children leave Stanley School, our ambition for them is to have a range of educational, independence and self-help skills which will support them in progressing to the next stage of their lives.
We are extremely proud of the progress that our children make, especially taking into account the difficulties that they face and overcome each day. Each small step of our children’s unique learning journey is supported and celebrated, no matter what that may be.
We are all proud of our school; not just because of our children’s positive outcomes, the progress that they make and the commitment of our staff team, but also because of the role that we all play in helping our children to create happy memories through the rich experiences and opportunities we provide for them.
Tel: 0151 342 6741
stanleyschool.co.uk
Secondary Schools (SEND)
Claremount Specialist Sports College
Clare Mount's curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of every student. In Year 7, the focus is on a successful transition from primary school, building on previous knowledge and skills. Teachers assess each student's strengths and set goals for their progress. The Key Stage 3 curriculum includes subjects like literacy, numeracy, citizenship, and employability skills alongside academic subjects. Religious Education is also valued. In Key Stage 4, students have access to a wide range of qualifications, including core subjects like English, mathematics, and science, as well as options like geography, history, and art. Physical education is emphasised for students' well-being, and they work towards the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. In the Sixth Form, the curriculum prepares students for adulthood, focusing on personal and social development, higher qualifications, vocational skills, and work experience.
Tel: 0151 678 5476
claremountssc.co.uk
Kilgarth School
Kilgarth School is a transformational learning community where people bring out the very best in each other. Flourishing in a carefully created environment that is caring, supportive yet challenging; we respond remarkably to expectations that are high.
We learn to embrace the challenges that life brings, relishing the opportunities they provide and being prepared to risk failure as we rise to meet them. We endeavour to become independent learners with the confidence to explore our limitless potential and play our part in making life more worthwhile for those who cross our path.
Kilgarth School is an inclusive, nurturing community where people learn to recognise and develop their best selves. With ever increasing confidence we feel safe to consider our emotional resilience and become aware of our true worth. We realise that our behaviours impact upon others and ourselves and use this knowledge to make the best choices we can.
We are able to accept our strengths and imperfections and those of others. We are proud of our culture and of who we are and celebrate the difference in people that make the world such a wonderful place.
Tel: 0151 652 8071
kilgarthschool.co.uk
The Observatory School
At The Observatory School, we strive to create a learning environment which promotes respect, diversity and self-awareness and equips all of our pupils with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they will need to succeed in their future lives. Our values are closely linked to British Values and our pupils work hard toward their values goals.
Throughout the year we focus on 7 core values. They are:
Respect
Kindness
Patience
Perseverance
Compassion
Responsibility
Enjoyment
Tel: 0151 652 7093
theobservatoryschool.wirral.sch.uk
Wirral Hospitals’ Schools, Joseph Paxton Campus
Wirral Hospitals’ School comprises of Arrowe Park Hospital children’s ward (ward 52) and Joseph Paxton Campus.
Joseph Paxton Campus is a small school setting for children and young people, age 11-16, who are unable to attend mainstream school for medical reasons. All students will have been referred through medical services, in conjunction with their mainstream school. The nominal roll caters for 80 students at KS3 and KS4.
All students have medical needs which usually involve aspects of mental health, e.g. anxiety, depression, self-harming, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Provision at JPC is available for young people up to full time education. Where full time provision is not appropriate for a student, however, the provision can be directly tailored to the health and wellbeing of the young person in consultation with health and other professionals.
Admissions: Students are admitted via a rigorous referral and panel system which considers medical evidence of needs. Referrals are usually initiated by schools, but students can also be referred by Educational Psychologists, CAMHS and Community Paediatricians, following an informal preliminary discussion with the Headteacher. Schools must be able to evidence a graduated response and a multi-agency approach, involving specialist medical staff, prior to referrals.
Note: Joseph Paxton Campus is a hospital school, not a special school. Consequently, students must only be admitted on medical grounds, following the advice of a consultant paediatrician and/or senior CAMHS therapist/consultant. Joseph Paxton Campus is not available for students with SEND who require a long-term provision, following the EHCP assessment process.
Tel: 0151 488 7680
Website
Foxfield School
Foxfield is a school for pupils with special needs aged 11-19. At our purpose built CLD School in Woodchuch, we offer high quality education in a stimulating and highly engaging learning environment, which nurtures, supports and challenges our pupils to develop into successful young adults who are as independent as possible. Our bespoke curriculum and our team of trained teachers and specialists work hard to ensure that we engage all our pupils at their point of learning helping them to receive a personalised and an enjoyable learning experience at Foxfield School.
Tel: 0151 641 8810
Foxfieldschool.co.uk
Meadowside School
Meadowside is a small school, highly staffed with a well-established, experienced, relevantly qualified and trained, team. We take a personalised approach and offer individualised learning packages, incorporating a variety of therapies enabling youngsters to access the most appropriate curriculum for them, currently up to 74% of our learners have an individualised timetable. All planning is highly structured, so that everyone knows the “next step” for each child, enabling the young person to be confident in their learning. All pupils have a Pastoral Team around them to facilitate person centred planning and provide support for the family. The Learning Mentor promotes emotional wellbeing, offers support to individuals, their parents or carers, monitors attendance, provides access to counselling and assists the pupils in making positive contributions to the community. She co-ordinates the running of the school council and puts our pupils at the heart of both the school and wider community. Some pupils move from class to class to use specialised equipment and are taught by subject specialists, others prefer a classroom base which is designed to meet their needs e.g. discrete provision based on the SPELL, (structure, positive approaches and expectations, empathy, low-arousal, links) framework. We provide opportunities for off-site education for those of our learners who respond best in this type of learning environment.
Tel: 0151 678 7711
meadowsideschool.com
Reaseheath College
Reaseheath is a land-based college offering a wide range of courses. Students with high needs become more independent at Reaseheath, and improve their social and communication skills thanks to the inclusive, friendly and welcoming college environment provided
Tel: 01270 625131
Website
Springboard
Springboard help disadvantaged and unemployed people of all ages fall in love with hospitality, leisure and tourism, and gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to flourish in acareer within these industries
Website
Activate
Specialist, independent provider offering personalised educational and vocational programmes for young adults aged 19-24 with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Tel: 0151 545 1279
Website
Further Education
In Wirral, there are several further education providers that cater to individuals with SEND, including colleges, training providers, and universities. These institutions offer a range of courses and support services to meet the specific needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities. Colleges in Wirral provide vocational courses and practical training, equipping students with valuable skills for employment. They also offer support services such as learning mentors and assistive technology to ensure inclusivity. Training providers in Wirral focus on developing specific skills and offer specialised courses in various fields, preparing students for specific industries or trades. Universities in Wirral provide higher education opportunities for individuals with SEND, offering support services, accessibility accommodations, and tailored learning environments. These further education providers in Wirral are committed to empowering individuals with SEND and providing them with equal opportunities for educational and career growth.
SENDLO Map of Services
Introducing SENDLO's Map of Services, designed to help you discover the available SEND services and providers in Wirral. Explore providers, schools, places of interest, and local businesses on this map. To enlarge the map, click the square in the top right corner. Use the plus and minus symbols in the bottom left to zoom in, and click the square in the top left to easily filter services or select a specific provider from the list.
We aim to make this map as helpful as possible for you and your family. If you can't find a specific service or want to add your own service or venue, please fill out the "Get in Touch" form below, and we'll take care of it.