The Caldecott School

What Parents Should Know

The Caldecott School is a non-maintained special school in Kent supporting young people. Non-maintained special schools are run by charitable organisations rather than the local authority or a private company. They are approved by the Secretary of State and provide specialist provision for children and young people with SEND.

To attend a non-maintained or 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.

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
• Transition to Adulthood in Kent
• All SEND Schools in Kent

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need an EHCP to attend this type of school?

If you want the local authority to fund the placement, yes. Your child will need an 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.

What is a non-maintained special school?

A non-maintained special school is a special school run by a charitable organisation. It is approved by the Secretary of State and inspected by Ofsted. Unlike maintained special schools (which are run by the local authority) or independent special schools (which are privately run), non-maintained schools are operated by charities or trusts and do not charge fees to parents when places are funded by the local authority.

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.