Education

This page brings together information about education‑related support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Westmorland and Furness. It explains how schools, settings and partner services work alongside families to identify needs early, put the right support in place and help children and young people achieve positive outcomes.

Choosing a school for your child

Choosing the right school is an important step for your child’s future. This guide explains the admissions process, key dates, and what to consider when selecting a school, helping you make an informed and confident choice.

Elective Home Education

Elective Home Education (EHE) is when parents choose to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school. This page explains what EHE involves, your responsibilities as a parent, and the support available to help you provide a suitable education.

Children with medical needs

Children with medical needs are entitled to a full education, and schools have a duty to support them effectively. This page explains how schools plan for medical conditions, what support is available, and how families can work with schools to ensure children continue learning and thriving.

Children Missing Education (CME)

Children missing education (CME) are those who are not registered at a school and are not receiving suitable education elsewhere. This page explains what CME means, why it matters, and how we work with families and professionals to ensure every child gets the education they need.

The Virtual School

The Virtual School supports children in care and care leavers to achieve their best in education. This page explains what the Virtual School does, who it helps, and how it works with schools and families to improve outcomes for children.

Support for schools

The SEND Specialist Teaching Service works with schools and families to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities

Transitions

Guidance and resources to help families support children through key educational transitions, such as moving between school stages or preparing for adulthood, with tailored advice for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

English as an Additional Language (EAL) team

The team supports children and young people aged 4–16 who are learning English alongside their education. Working with schools and families, we provide assessments, advice, resources, and training to help learners succeed and feel included. Over 70 languages are currently spoken by pupils in our schools and settings. The EAL team is part of the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) Specialist Teaching Service, and we provide support/advice to families, children and young people and educational providers.