Hilden Park School

What Parents Should Know

Hilden Park School is an independent specialist day school in West Kent. Independent special schools are privately run and typically offer specialist provision for children whose needs cannot be fully met in a maintained special school or mainstream setting. They may offer smaller class sizes, bespoke curricula, and integrated therapeutic support.

To attend an independent special school with local authority funding, your child will usually need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that names the school. The local authority will fund the placement if it agrees that the school is the most appropriate setting for your child. Parents can also fund a place privately.

If you believe your child's needs cannot be met in their current school, you can request an EHC needs assessment from Kent County Council. You can 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
• School Transport Appeals in Kent
• All SEND Schools in Kent

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you want the local authority to fund the placement, yes. Your child will need an EHCP that names the school. However, parents can also choose to fund a place at an independent special school privately, in which case an EHCP is not required for admission.

Will the local authority pay for an independent special school?

The local authority may fund a placement at an independent special school if it is named in your child's EHCP as the most appropriate provision. If the local authority proposes a different school and you disagree, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal. See our EHCP appeals guide for more information.

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.