SEND school places
Most children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will have their needs met at a mainstream school or college.
If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan
You can only apply for a place at a special school if your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
If you believe that your child needs a special school and you have an EHC plan, please contact their SEND caseworker to discuss this.
If your child does not have an EHC plan
If your child does not have an EHC plan, you should apply for a school following the usual route.
Your child will require an EHC needs assessment if they do not have an EHC plan. This will confirm their level of special educational need and determine whether they require specialist provision.
If an assessment has begun, you must apply online with your chosen school or college. By week 16 of the process, we will decide whether an EHC plan will be made. By week 20 of the process, you will receive the finalised EHC plan.
If a draft EHC plan is issued, we will contact you to discuss your chosen schools. You can then ask them to consider a place at a special school.
If you need further advice on SEND school places, contact Liaise or call them on 0800 195 1635. If your child has EHC plan, please contact your caseworker.
