Maintained placements
This term applies to all the different types of schools and other placements that are funded and controlled by Local Authorities:
- mainstream schools
- (most) grammar schools
- special schools
- nurseries
- Pupil Referral Units
- FE colleges
Other school systems – such as Academies and Free Schools – are also classified as maintained, even though they are funded and controlled by the Secretary of State rather than the LA. They are subject to the same law and guidance, in relation to SEND issues, as LA maintained schools.
Special schools
This is defined as a school which is specially organised to make special educational provision for pupils with SEN.
EHCPs are required for placement (although assessment placements can be agreed by the LA in certain circumstances).
Mainstream schools
This is a school which is not a special school and is either a LA maintained school or an Academy school.
Resource bases
Placements at Resource Bases or Additionally Resourced Centres are usually situated in mainstream schools and, even if an EHCP is required for placement, are still mainstream placements.
Independent schools
These are usually operated by charitable organisations but can be privately run. Even in the case of independent special schools, they are classified as independent rather than special schools.
Some independent schools are referred to as Section 41 schools; these are approved by the Secretary of State and can be requested by parents and named by LAs or Tribunals in the same way that maintained schools can be.