Education and learning support

Find out about childcare for young children, schools for all ages, and options after you finish school

Popular pages

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool

The purpose of this tool is to ensure every child and young person in a Somerset school receives the support they are entitled to

Education, Health and Care plans

The step-by-step process for getting support for children and young people who have significant special educational needs or disabilities.

In this section

Early Years and childcare

Includes entitlements, the support available and the latest childcare news

Education options for school aged children

Education options for school aged children

Next steps in education

Study options after you finish school

Pages in Education options for school aged children

Schools

Education options for school aged children

SomersetWorks – Your choices before 16

There are lots of options available to you and it should be appropriate to your needs

Wraparound childcare

Information for families on childcare before and after school, and during school holidays

Autism in Schools

Helping to develop an inclusive environment which will improve the experiences of autistic young people.

Trauma Informed and relational approaches

Helping schools spot when a child has been affected by trauma or difficult experiences, and respond with caring, supportive approaches

Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools

Over 60 primary schools in Somerset are involved in a project called PINS, which helps schools better support children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs.

Alternative Provision Framework

For pupils experiencing difficulty accessing education as a result of their mental or physical health, permanent exclusion or special educational needs

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Education after age 16

Explains the options available in Somerset and helps you find the right path for your future.

Your future

A guide to help you to find out about the many learning opportunities available in Somerset for 16 to 19 year olds

SomersetWorks – Your pathway at 16 to 18 years

There are lots of choices and you need to pick the one that will help you get the future you want

Higher education

Higher education (HE) is learning after 18 at universities and other colleges. It includes degrees, professional qualifications and more.

Somerset Skills and Learning

We work across Somerset, providing adult education, apprenticeships and traineeships. As well as offering skills and qualifications

Retaking exams and other options

Options if you do not get the grades or qualifications you hoped for

Education provision in Somerset

Provision that is usually available in Somerset schools at Universal, Targeted and Specialist support levels

Extra help in school for children with SEND

Support for children and young people with SEND, including SEN Support under Somerset’s Graduated Response

Specialist education support for children with higher needs

Help for children and young people with significant SEND, including EHC Plans and high-needs provision

Pages in Education provision in Somerset

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool

A guide to make sure every child and young person in a Somerset school gets the support they need

Education for Life board

Plans to transform education in Somerset

Sensory Processing Handbook

The eight senses - guidance for professionals in Somerset

Somerset’s Accessibility Strategy and School Access Initiative

Funding that helps pupils who need bespoke and significant physical changes to a mainstream school site

School attendance and children missing education

We check for any child missing from education, including home visits and school attendance sweeps

Supporting neurodivergence at the earliest opportunity

Receiving support at the earliest stage without the need for a diagnosis. Making a smooth transition to assessment for those who require it.

Careers Education

Helping you prepare for the world of work

Somerset Long Covid Guidance

Supporting children and young people identified as having Long Covid in education settings

Pages in Extra help in school for children with SEND

Exam access arrangements

If a pupil has a disability or special educational needs that make exams harder for them, schools and colleges can make reasonable changes to help.

Targeted education provision

Support in education for children and young people with SEND as part of Somerset's Graduated Response, includes SEN Support

Autism and ADHD Pathway

Steps you can expect - from early support to full assessment - and how families, schools, and health professionals work together to make sure the right help is given.

Enhanced Learning Provision for Students with SEND

Promoting an effective and inclusive approach to education

Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool

A guide to make sure every child and young person in a Somerset school gets the support they need

Inclusion Somerset offer of support

We offer guidance and practical help to schools when a child or young person is at risk of being excluded.

Somerset Pastoral Support Plan

A framework and template to help schools and families support children and young people who show challenging behaviour.

Children at risk of exclusion – Checklist of expectations

National government guidance, legislation and local Somerset context with regard to children and young people who present with challenging behaviour and are at risk of exclusion from school.

Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

Promoting emotional wellbeing in education settings by providing early intervention treatments for mild to moderate mental health

Anxiety about attending school

Some children can become anxious about going to school, their school work, friendships or bullying

The SCERTS model

Building competence in Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support

Alternative Provision Framework

For pupils experiencing difficulty accessing education as a result of their mental or physical health, permanent exclusion or special educational needs

Medical Tuition

Your child’s school can make a referral for temporary ‘medical tuition’

English as an additional language (EAL)

Support for pupils who speak another language at home to help them learn well in school.

Somerset SEND Network groups

Groups that meet once each term for SENCos to share updates, ask questions, and take part in training.

Pages in Specialist education support for children with higher needs

Specialist support in education

Extra help in schools for children and young people with significant SEND. This is part of Somerset’s Graduated Response and may include an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or medical care plan.

Education, Health and Care plans

The step-by-step process for getting support for children and young people who have significant special educational needs or disabilities.

Medical Tuition

Your child’s school can make a referral for temporary ‘medical tuition’

Choosing or changing a school or setting

Explore all the options to help you find the best place for your child

Getting to school and travel help

Information on how to get to school and how to apply for transport

Help with education costs

Find out what funding is available for children and young people aged 0 to 25

Pages in Choosing or changing a school or setting

Planning to start school

Starting school can be an exciting time. It can also cause some concern for some families. Planning ahead can help support all children

Applying for school

Includes information about catchment areas and admissions policies

Find a school

Details of all schools, colleges and education settings in Somerset

Education, Health and Care plans and preparing for adulthood

Changes in headings used in the EHC plan help focus thinking and preparation

Moving on to the next stage of learning

Moving from one stage of learning to the next, including changing schools.

Careers Education

Helping you prepare for the world of work

Pages in Getting to school and travel help

Apply for school travel assistance

Find out if you can get help with school travel and how to apply

School travel assistance for students with SEND

Students who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) may be eligible for support with travel to and from school.

Independent Travel Training

Training to help young people aged 14 and over with special educational needs or disabilities learn how to travel safely on their own to school, college, or work placements.

Personal travel payments for children with SEND

Giving families more choice and control over how a child with SEND gets to school - so they arrive on time and ready to learn.

Pages in Help with education costs

Funding and provision for children with additional needs

A public consultation asking for views on how to spend education money to tackle growing challenges.

Free school meals

Find out if your child qualifies for free school meals

Somerset Schools Forum

A consultative and decision-making body on issues related to schools funding

Somerset’s Accessibility Strategy and School Access Initiative

Funding that helps pupils who need bespoke and significant physical changes to a mainstream school site

Disability Access Fund

Money that is available to a nominated childcare provider once a year

Help with the cost of childcare

Find the right funding and help towards childcare costs for your family

Somerset’s plan for High Needs Provision Capital Allocation

How we plan to spend government funding to improve education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Working flexibly and taking time off – your rights

How you can adjust your working hours or take time off if your child has extra support needs.

Funding for education costs

Money available to support the education needs of children and young people aged 0 to 25