Skip to content
Supporting a child with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional school environments no longer feel like the right fit. With record numbers of children now requiring SEND support, many families are left searching for something better and more immediate than mainstream schools can provide. That’s where alternative provision steps in.
In this blog, we explore the rise in SEND, the challenges schools are facing, and how Wendover Online School is providing SEND support that genuinely works.
Understanding SEND in the UK
All state-funded schools in England are legally required to identify, assess and use their ‘best endeavours’ to ensure that children with special educational needs get the support they need. Private schools must make reasonable adjustments to ensure children with SEND are not disadvantaged – in practice the range of support available in the private sector can be more comprehensive than in state schools.
Students are attracted to Wendover for a wide range of reasons, including personalised teaching, flexible lessons, small class sizes and the ability to fit learning around your lifestyle. Many of these factors work well for students with special needs, so we are delighted to launch our new Alternative Provision brochure sharing how our online school offers support for SEND.
Understanding the rise in SEND in the UK
The challenges faced in mainstream education
Mainstream schools are doing their best, but the reality is tough:
- Underfunded high-needs budgets: Local authorities are grappling with SEND deficits that run into billions
- SENDCo overload: Many special educational needs coordinators manage dozens of cases, often without additional time or support
- Delays in EHCP assessments: Thousands of children wait well beyond the 20-week statutory deadline
- Patchy provision: Support varies widely across regions, creating a “postcode lottery” of access.
For many families, the result is heartbreaking. Children may fall behind, withdraw socially, or develop school-based anxiety – all while waiting for support that may not arrive in time.
What is alternative provision for SEND students?
Alternative provision (AP) refers to education outside the traditional school setting. For children with SEND, the right AP can be life changing. It can provide:
- Smaller classes or 1:1 support
- Flexible timetables
- Personalised curriculum plans
- A calm, safe learning environment.
While some alternative provision is delivered in person, others like Wendover Online School offer high-quality online education, making SEND support accessible regardless of location.
How Wendover provides SEND support that actually works
Wendover Online School was founded to create a better learning experience for all children – but it is particularly effective for those who struggle in mainstream education. Its model of personalised, supportive and high-quality online education is especially well-suited to students with SEND, who benefit from:
- Small class sizes: average of four, maximum of six students in a class
- 1:1 teaching where required
- 100% live lessons taught by subject specialists trained in inclusive practice
- Weekly 1:1 tutorials supporting academic progress and emotional wellbeing
- Flexible timetables: morning core subjects, with optional afternoon sessions
- Personalised pathways tailored to EHCP outcomes or individual learning needs.
Children can learn from home in a calm, consistent environment. There are no crowded corridors, no sensory overload, and no peer pressure. Instead, students receive focused support from teachers who get to know them well, understand their challenges and care about their progress.
Want to know more? Download our full Alternative Provision brochure to see how Wendover supports students with diverse SEND needs.
Supporting a wide range of needs
Wendover supports students aged 8 to 18 with a diverse range of needs, including:
- ASD / Autism spectrum
- ADHD
- Dyslexia / dyspraxia
- Anxiety or school refusal
- Sensory processing differences
- Speech and language needs
- EHCPs
We ensure that every child’s individual learning needs are identified early, but without stress. A new student will usually have two taster lessons and meet their future teachers, and the Head of Year and SENDCo will also meet the student and their parents get to know them well, answer any questions and smooth any anxiety.
Through a comprehensive assessment process, the school works to understand each student’s strengths, challenges and preferred learning approaches. This allows Wendover to put a tailored strategy in place right from the start, providing consistency, clarity, and support throughout their time at the school. You can read more here about how assessments are used to support each learner.
Flexible learning to suit each student
We know that school can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we can start gradually if this suits your child:
- We offer a flexible programme which may start with core subjects and grow as a student gathers confidence.
- Some students start with 1-2-1 lessons and move to group lessons.
- All of this is supported by our weekly 1-2-1 tutorial
- We keep in close contact with parents to monitor the student’s progress on the course and modify our approach as needed.
- Our expert teachers always adjust the pace, language and delivery of lessons to suit individual learners – this is particularly effective for students with SEND.
Our team at Wendover work closely with parents and local authorities to ensure EHCP outcomes are met, progress is tracked, and your student’s wellbeing is prioritised.
More than academics: supporting wellbeing and confidence
Education should do more than deliver grades. At Wendover, we value confidence and resilience alongside achieving your best, so students are encouraged to join clubs, take part in virtual assemblies, and connect through small group tutorials. For many, it’s the first time they feel safe enough to participate and enjoy learning.
Parents are delighted to report dramatic improvements in their child’s confidence, happiness and engagement with education when they study online at Wendover:
Working alongside parents and local authorities
Wendover welcomes:
• EHCP-funded placements via local authorities
• Referrals from mainstream schools looking for temporary support or online placement
• Direct enquiries from parents seeking alternative provision
We provide regular progress reports, monitor attendance and progress, support annual reviews, and liaise closely with SEND teams to ensure a joined-up approach. We understand that many SEND students experience anxiety, school trauma or social challenges.
At Wendover, we offer:
• A gentle, student-centred approach
• Peer interaction in a calm online environment
• Staff trained in trauma-informed and inclusive practices
• Extra-curricular clubs such as baking, chess, art and writing to support enjoyment and creativity
• Meet-ups in different parts of the UK
Wendover’s SENDCo plays a vital role in ensuring that students have access to the right adjustments both within their school day, and for their exams. This includes supporting appropriate access arrangements such as additional time, rest breaks, or assistive technology so that every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their ability. Learn more about Wendover’s approach to exams.
Looking ahead: investment and inclusive reform
In 2024, the UK government committed £740 million in capital funding to create 10,000 new SEND school places by 2026. It was a move widely welcomed by parents and students coping with SEND, recognising the need for more inclusive, well-resourced environments.
But while these changes take shape, many families need immediate solutions. Wendover offers a high-quality, supportive option that’s available now—meeting children where they are, and helping them thrive today.
SEND support that helps children thrive
When mainstream education isn’t working, parents need to know they have real, high-quality alternatives. Wendover Online School offers trusted, proven SEND support that combines personalised teaching, emotional safety, and academic excellence.
We provide a calm environment for nurturing young minds, where every child feels seen, understood and able to succeed.
Ready to explore Wendover?
Book a free taster lesson today and discover the difference that online alternative provision can make for your child—or download our Alternative Provision brochure to learn more.
FAQs
What is SEND support?
SEND support refers to extra help given to children with special educational needs or disabilities so they can learn effectively in school. This can include classroom adjustments, specialist teaching, or 1:1 support.
What types of SEND does Wendover support?
Wendover supports a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and speech/language difficulties. Each student’s learning plan is tailored accordingly.
Can a child with an EHCP attend online school?
Yes. Many local authorities now place children with EHCPs in online schools like Wendover, where their needs can be met through personalised support and structured remote learning.
How do I apply for a place at Wendover Online School?
Parents can contact Wendover directly to book a taster lesson or request more information. The school also works with local authorities for EHCP-funded placements.
