Mainstream or specialist education

Keynotes: For parents, education, specialist vs mainstream education, anxiety, fitting in

Read time: 2 minutes

This 2-minute blog will introduce education, the differences between specialist education and mainstream education and to help you when making the decision. It is important to note that there is no right or wrong choice and enrolling you child in either a mainstream or specialist school can reap benefits.

Anxiety and transitioning from primary to secondary school

Making the decision about the school you would like your child to attend is a very important milestone for a parent, particularly during the transition from primary to secondary education. This might be because it represents a significant change in your child’s life, a time of increasing independence as they grow up, or perhaps you may have concerns about bullying and whether your child will fit in.

There are many factors that need to be considered such as the distance to the school, the school environment, and most importantly if it will be suitable to your child’s needs to ensure they can flourish. Choosing the right school for your child is a major decision, but ultimately, it's one that only you can make because you know your child best.

What is mainstream education?

Mainstream education is focused on creating an inclusive educational environment for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This aims to reduce the segregation between SEND children and those who are neurotypical or have no disability.

Children with a disability have a right to attend a mainstream education school – this is written in law under the Children and Family Act 2014. This includes schools making reasonable adjustments so that the child can attend.

What is specialist education?

Specialist education involves care specifically catered to children and young people with various educational needs or disabilities meaning your child is surrounded by others like themselves. The teachers are likely to have specific training for children with SEND and would have a greater understanding of your child’s needs and provide efficient one-to-one support.

*To attend a specialist school your child would require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

Mainstream vs Specialist School

The differences between these two schools are that in a specialist school, the curriculum and the support your child receives will be specifically tailored to your child’s needs. Whereas in a mainstream school, your child will receive SEND support and so would receive education based on the same curriculum as others but may be adapted slightly to your child’s abilities. This approach can help prepare your child for the mainstream world.

Support and factors to consider

There are multiple factors that you could consider so that the school chosen is an appropriate fit for your child. Listed below are a few:

• Staff awareness- find out more information by arranging a meeting with teachers to discuss your child’s needs and if the teachers would be able to meet them.
•  The education curriculum – will there be an adapted version so that your child is able to learn more effectively, and will they teach other life skills?
•  The school environment – such as the classroom size and will there be options for smaller classes or for 1-1 support?

Whilst considering these factors, it can be helpful to also consult your child’s doctor to consider other reasonable adjustments that would be useful to put in place to help with your child adjusting in a new school.

For more information on mainstream education and specialist education check out these resources:

The right to a mainstream education | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

When a school doesn’t want your child (ipsea.org.uk)

SEN Education Explained: Mainstream vs. Specialist Schools – What Sets Them Apart? | rTriibe

ehc plans (autism.org.uk)

Types of school: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)