Choosing the right school

All early years settings, schools and colleges must support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This everyday support is called Ordinarily Available Provision. It should be in place for all children, whether they have a diagnosis or not. Some children who have an EHC plan may need more support and may need to get their education in a special school.

To help you decide which school is best for your child, you can:

• find general advice on choosing a school on our school admissions webpages
• talk to your special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) for guidance that's suited to your child's needs
• check the Ofsted results
• look at the school's SEN polices and SEN information reports - these must be published on the school's website

There's also advice on the Scope website. It includes examples of questions to ask the school before you make your decision.

Applying for a school place if your child does not have an EHC plan

The standard school admissions process applies if a child or young person with SEND:

• gets special educational needs support from their nursery, school or college
• does not have an education, health and care (EHC) plan

If you disagree with the school place you receive, you can make an appeal.

Getting a school place if your child has an EHC plan

If your child has an EHC plan, you do not need to apply through the standard school admissions process. The school named in your child's plan will be the school they go to, unless:

• it's not suitable for your child’s age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs
• it would affect other children’s education if your child went to that school, and there are no reasonable steps we can take to avoid this

Deciding on the right school

When deciding which school to offer a place at, we'll consider:

• the views of parents/carers and your child or young person
• your child or young person’s SEN, and the support they need
• the progress your child or young person has made so far
• the views of the schools that we talk to

The SEND code of practice states that parents may request a place at a particular school. It sets out the rights of parents and the responsibilities of schools and local authorities.

Schools and local authorities must also consider the education of other children at the school when deciding on a placement.

When you'll know which school is named in your EHC plan

We'll issue an amended EHC plan that includes the name of the school.

If you disagree with our decision

Find out what to do if you disagree with the education provider named in an EHC plan.