Independent special schools and independent specialist colleges are for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They are are privately owned. That means they are not funded or run by Newcastle City Council.
When creating an an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), parents and carers can name an independent special school or college they would like their child to attend. Newcastle City Council must name the school or college in the final EHCP unless:
Schools and colleges on the approved list must admit the child or young person if named. They must also work with Newcastle City Council when making arrangements.
Parents and carers can also name an independent school or independent specialist college not on the approved list. Although it will be considered, Newcastle City Council does not have the same duty to name the school or college. The school or college also does not have to accept the child or young person if named.