Education and learning support

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

In this section

Early Years and childcare

Find childcare, early learning support, funded childcare, and help with childcare costs in Somerset. Information and advice for families and providers

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

Types of schools

Education options for school aged children

Careers and pathways – Your choices before 16

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

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.

Wraparound childcare

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

Enhanced Learning Provision for Students with SEND

Promoting an effective and inclusive approach to education

Specialist inclusion bases in mainstream schools

Specialist inclusion bases provide specialist teaching and support within mainstream schools for children who need a tailored learning programme

Alternative Provision Framework

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

The SCERTS model

Helping schools to support children building skills in social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support (SCERTS)

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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

Guides to help you find out about the many learning opportunities available in Somerset for 16 to 19 year olds, and up to 25 with SEND

Careers and pathways – Your choices 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

Learning after 18 at universities and other colleges, including 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

Find out what support you can expect schools and education settings to provide to help every child and young person be included and learn.

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 Graduated Response Framework

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

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.

Sensory Processing Handbook

The eight senses - guidance for professionals in Somerset

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

Continuing to support neurodivergence

Appropriate support for those who receive a diagnosis, and signposting for those who don't.

Supporting children and young people who avoid demands

Explains how demands affect them and offers strategies to provide support

Learning and developmental needs

Understanding the terms we use to describe challenges with learning or development

Somerset Graduated Response Framework

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

Education Accessibility Protocol

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

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.

Anxiety about attending school

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

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) support

Learn about the different challenges people with FASD may face and practical ways to help and support them

Inclusion Somerset offer of support

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

English as an additional language (EAL)

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

Part-time school timetables

Process for when a child only attends school for part of the day

Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

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

Exam help for SEND

If a student has a disability or learning difficulty that makes exams harder, the school or college can make changes so they can take exams fairly.

Somerset Experts at Hand (EAH)

Somerset's inclusion support offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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 and/or disabilities.

Supporting children and young people who cannot go to school

Ensuring a good education for children who are excluded, have serious medical needs or no school place (Section 19 of the Education Act).

Somerset’s SEND Citizen Portal

A step-by-step guide for using the Citizens Portal for the Education, Health and Care needs assessment and annual review

Complete your Appendix A using the SEND Citizen Portal

Completing your Appendix A online helps to provide key details for your child’s Education, Health and Care assessment quickly, securely and easily

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

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Choosing a primary school

Find out how to choose a primary school in Somerset, including what to consider, school catchment areas and how to compare SEND support in schools.

Choosing a secondary school

Find out how to choose a secondary school in Somerset, including what to consider, school catchment areas and how to compare SEND support in schools.

Transitions and preparation for adulthood guidance

SEND guidance on transitions and preparation for adulthood, covering educational transitions, independence, employment and community participation

Extra help to get a school place

Our fair access protocol for admitting vulnerable or unplaced children into local schools

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

Find a school

Details of all schools, colleges and education settings in Somerset

Education, Health and Care plans and school placements

Expressing a preference, and naming an educational setting in Section I of the Education, Health and Care plan

Phase transfers

Reviewing and updating the Education, Health and Care plan for moving between stages of education

Moving on to the next stage of learning

Supporting your child to change school or move up to a new phase of education

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 decision reviews

How to get a review of your school travel assistance application decision

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

Post‑16 travel assistance for students with SEND

Post-16 students who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) may be eligible for support with travel to and from school.

Post-16 SEND travel assistance decision reviews

How we assess students over 16 years old who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) for travel assistance

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.

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Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)

Understand Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA), support in higher education and what to consider before starting your course.

Funding for early years settings

Money available to support the learning and development of young children with special educational needs and/or disabilities

Funding for education after age 16

Money available to support the education and training needs of young people aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities

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

Education Accessibility Protocol

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

Disability Access Fund for early years

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

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

Post‑16 travel assistance for students with SEND

Post-16 students who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) may be eligible for support with travel to and from school.

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 schools

Money available to support the education needs of school age children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities