Stockton-on-Tees Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Market Position Statement 2025 to 2026

Early Years

We have a special nursery called High Flyers Early Support Nursery. It is part of one of our Family Hubs. This nursery helps pre-school children who have complex needs and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

It also gives advice and support to other nurseries and early years settings in Stockton-on-Tees.

SEND Units and ARPs

From September 2025, Stockton-on-Tees moved from the old Enhanced Mainstream School model to a new system called Additionally Resourced Provisions (ARPs) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Units. These are based in mainstream schools and give extra help to children who need it. You can find more details on the Local Offer website.

Special schools

Stockton-on-Tees has several special schools for children with different needs:

• Abbey Hill Academy - for ages 11-19 with learning difficulties and autism
• Abbey Hill Academy at North Shore Academy - specialist support
• Westlands Academy - for secondary pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs
• Ash Trees Academy - for primary pupils with physical and medical needs
• Ash Trees Academy at Billingham South - for primary pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties
• Green Gates Academy - for primary pupils with SEMH needs
• Northeast Autism Society - independent school for ages 4-19 with autism and other neurodiverse conditions
• Hartwell School - independent school for ages 4-19 with SEMH needs and autism
• King Edwin School - independent school for ages 8-16 with SEMH needs and anxiety
• The Bishopton Centre - alternative provision for pupils at risk of exclusion

Alternative Provision and Pathway Development Centres

Alternative provision is education for children who cannot go to their usual school because of exclusion, illness, or other reasons. Stockton-on-Tees has a flexible system with trusted providers offering:

• academic qualifications
• education after exclusion
• alternative curriculum and enrichment programmes

Pathway Development Centres (PDCs) are part of this system. They give short-term support for pupils in Key Stages 1 to 4 who have SEND or SEMH needs. PDCs help by:

• giving a safe, structured place to assess needs
• finding the best way back to mainstream school or specialist provision
• helping pupils re-engage with learning
• supporting pupils after permanent exclusion

If you have questions, email: strategyandcommissioning@stockton.gov.uk.