Choosing a school for a child with SEND
All schools must provision to support children who have special educational needs and disabilities.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have the right to attend a mainstream school. The school must put arrangements in place to support a child's individual needs. Find a mainstream school in Leicester
Before choosing a school, it is advised that you:
- Look at the school's SEND information report and policy which will be published on the school's website
- Read the Ofsted report
- Attend the open day events / evenings - Take a copy of your child's EHCP with you and talk to the SENCO about:
- how your child's needs could be met i.e. layout of the school, medical facilities
- one to one or group support for your child, homework, timetable
- how new students are welcome
- Make an appointment to see the school's SENCO if they were not available at open event or your questions have not been answered
- Consider any transportation need. See home to school transport for more information.
You may find it helpful to think about questions to ask the education setting before choosing them.
Apply for a mainstream school
If your child does not have an EHCP, you should apply for a mainstream school place, even if your child's needs are being assessed. The school admissions webpage will provide full information on how to apply for a school place.
Special schools
Special schools are for children with more complex ore severe needs that can not have their needs met by a mainstream school. Places at special schools are allocated through the statutory assessment process, or following a EHCP review. Find out about the seven special schools in Leicester.
Schools and colleges outside of Leicester
If you were thinking of sending your child or young person to a school or college out of Leicester, the place of learning must be approved. Those which meet the SEND Code of Practice criteria can be found on the approved independent special schools and colleges list. This list is updated by Gov.uk on a termly basis.
The school or college of your choice must be named in your young person’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.