Mainstream schools and specialist provision

If it is not possible for your child to be supported in a mainstream school, they may be considered for a place in a special school. There are six special schools in Enfield. All pupils attending will have a Statement of SEN or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP):

• Durants caters for 95 pupils aged 11-19 with autism. It has been accredited by the National Autistic Society. Durants also has a satellite provision at Winchmore School for eight pupils.
• Fern House School is an all-through specialist provision for pupils aged 7-16 with social, emotional, mental health needs (SEMH), providing personalised learning within safe, nurturing and stimulating environments.
• Oaktree is a mixed day-school for pupils aged 7-19 with a range of complex needs, including social difficulties linked to their learning. It offers broad access to the National Curriculum.
• Russet House is a primary school for children with autism aged 5-11 years. It also has a nursery for children over three. It has been accredited by the National Autistic Society.
• Waverley is for pupils, aged 3-19 with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Some pupils have visual, hearing, medical or physical impairments.
• West Lea provides pupils aged 5-19 with a range of complex need. This includes medical, physical, communication, social, emotional and learning difficulties, and autistic spectrum disorders.

Parents have the right to send their child to an independent school, for which they will need to meet the costs. Parents still have the right to request an assessment of special educational needs and in some exceptional circumstances we may contribute towards the cost of additional support.

For guidance on independent special schools and colleges, visit GOV.UK.

View our independent schools in Enfield (PDF).

If you want to educate your child at home, you need to inform their headteacher in writing, so your child’s name can be removed from the school roll.

Parents of children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have the same rights to educate their children at home, as parents of children who do not. Where a child has a Statement of SEN/EHCP, we must make sure the child’s needs are met and the Statement/EHCP remains in force.

Enfield SEN services must be satisfied that parents are able to make suitable provisions for the child in accordance with the Statement of SEN/EHCP. We will send you guidance notes on home education as well as a form requesting information about the education you will be providing.

An adviser will then visit your family to discuss the education programme and long-term education plans for the child. If the home education meets the child’s needs, their Statement of SEN/EHCP will be amended. The SEN service will check the programme is implemented according to the child's needs during annual reviews.

We will not direct the child's learning or provide equipment, books or other resources. When parents choose to home school their child, our role is to assess if it is appropriate and effective.