What school options are available?
Deciding which school you would prefer your child to attend is an important decision for any parent. The LA will send you a list of all the schools within the borough, both ‘mainstream’ and ‘special’. You have a right to say which school you want your child to go to, either mainstream or special. This will very often be the school or pre-school they already go to. You should discuss this with the SENCo or setting manager.
The LA must agree with your preference, as long as:
the school you choose is suitable for your child’s age, ability, skills and SEN;
your child’s presence will not damage the education of other children already at the school;
placing your child in the school will be an efficient use of the LA’s resources.
Finding out about schools
All schools have information that might help you to make the right choice for your child. This might include:
a school prospectus or brochure;
the SEN policy. All schools have a written policy describing how they will identify and help children with Special Educational Needs. The LA provides schools with additional funds and support to help them meet a wide range of Special Educational Needs;
the most recent Governors Annual Report to Parents;
other policies, such as their behaviour or bullying policy;
their Home-School Agreement;
the OFSTED Inspector’s report on the school (also available on the OFSTED website
Mainstream or special?
There are a number of issues and concerns that you may want to consider when looking through the information. One of the primary considerations parents of children with Special Educational Needs have to make is whether to request a placement in a mainstream or special school. Whatever you decide, it is important to consider all the options available. The PPS will be able to help you at this stage.
Generally, the LA will prefer children to be educated in mainstream schools, where this is possible, and all but a small number of children with statements will go to their local school. Many ordinary schools have provision for children with particular needs. For example, they may have good access for physically disabled pupils or special teaching for pupils with hearing or sight difficulties, or dyslexia.
Once you have a list of possible schools, you should try to find out which ones may be suitable for your child. There will be a description of each special school on the list and you can contact the school direct or speak to the parent partnership officer to find out what type of difficulties the school can help with.
When considering a placement in a special school, perhaps the most important factor is whether the school is able to meet the needs of your child. This may sound obvious, but special schools are set up to meet a particular type of special need, for example, there are schools which deal with moderate or severe learning difficulties, and schools for emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is important that you understand what type of difficulties your child has and the type of school which may be suitable.
Arrange a visit
If you are thinking of asking for your child to go to a new school, you should arrange to visit to see whether the school would be right for your child. When visiting:
ask who you will see and how much time they will be able to spend with you;
ask to see the SENCO;
think about whether you want to take your child – it is sometimes better to leave them with someone for your first visit – discuss this with the school;
take someone with you, such as a friend or relative;
try to go during the school day, so you can see what it is like with the children there;
talk to other parents with children at the school, but keep an open mind, as everyone wants something different from a school;
write down a list of questions you would like to ask, such as how many pupils in each class and what support will your child receive. You might want to know how you will be kept informed about your child’s progress.
Contact details
Special Educational Needs(SEN)
Children's Services and Lifelong Learning
The Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 020 8583 2624/2673
Fax: 020 8583 2613
Minicom: 020 8583 2618