Bower Grove School

What Parents Should Know

Bower Grove School is a special school in Kent for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Moderate Learning Difficulties. Special schools like this provide a more specialist environment than mainstream schools, with smaller class sizes, higher staff-to-pupil ratios, and access to on-site therapeutic support.

To attend a special school in Kent, your child will usually need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The EHCP process involves a formal assessment by the local authority, which considers your child's needs and the type of provision required. The local authority will then consult with schools that may be appropriate.

If you believe your child's needs cannot be met in a mainstream school, you can request an EHC needs assessment from Kent County Council. You can also name a preferred school in your EHCP application, and the local authority must consider your preference.

Helpful Resources

• How to Apply for an EHCP in Kent — step-by-step guide for parents
• Understanding EHCPs in Kent — what to expect from the process
• EHCP Appeals Guide — if you disagree with a decision
• SEN Support in Mainstream Schools — understanding the alternatives
• All SEND Schools in Kent

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need an EHCP to attend a special school?

In most cases, yes. Admission to a special school in Kent typically requires an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that names the school. The EHCP sets out your child's needs and the support they require, and the local authority uses it to determine the appropriate placement.

How do I request a place at a specific special school?

You can express a preference for a particular school during the EHCP process. The local authority must consider your preference and can only refuse if the school is unsuitable for your child's needs, if it would be incompatible with the efficient education of other children, or if it would be an inefficient use of resources. See our EHCP application guide for more details.

What is the difference between a maintained special school and an independent special school?

Maintained special schools are funded and overseen by the local authority. Independent special schools are privately run and charge fees, which the local authority may fund if the school is named in an EHCP. Both types are inspected by Ofsted. Maintained special schools do not charge fees to parents.