The indicator “Number of Special Schools for Children with Special Needs (CWSN)” is an important measure of a country’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education. It reflects the availability of specialised institutions designed to address the diverse learning, physical, sensory, and developmental needs of children who may not be adequately supported in mainstream school settings. Special schools are equipped with trained educators, tailored curricula, assistive technologies, and therapeutic services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling. These resources help CWSN develop academic skills, social competencies, and independent living abilities in a supportive and accessible environment. The presence and distribution of special schools also indicate how well education systems are addressing barriers related to disability, accessibility, and learning differences.

From a planning and policy perspective, this indicator helps identify gaps in service provision across regions and population groups. It supports evidence-based decision-making for infrastructure development, teacher training, and resource allocation. Tracking this indicator over time allows stakeholders to assess progress toward national and international commitments on disability inclusion, including the Right to Education and Sustainable Development Goal 4. Overall, the number of special schools for CWSN serves as a key benchmark for measuring educational inclusivity, system responsiveness, and the extent to which no child is left behind.