Choosing a school for your child with SEND

We recommend when looking for your child's new school you:

• attend their open days or evenings
• read their SEND policy and SEND information report, both should be available on their website
• arrange to meet the school's SENCO
• ask them specific questions to find out how they will support your child - School SEND Information
• check what schools are in your catchment area visit: Catchment area maps
• read their OFSTED report, visit: Find an Ofsted inspection report
• consider how your child will get to school, and how your school preference may affect their eligibility for Transport support. Your child is unlikely to qualify for transport assistance if they are not attending the nearest school to your home that can support their needs.

For children who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), your school preferences will be discussed during your annual review meeting (Moving on to school or college).

If your child is currently being assessed for an EHCP but it has not been finalised, you are advised to also apply for a school place using the standard admissions process. This will ensure they have a school place if the EHC plan is not agreed.

Find out more about school applications via the standard admissions process, visit: Choosing a school

If you need support in going through the application process, contact your SENCO or Family Action: Wiltshire SENDIASS (opens new window).

Specialist resource bases (SRB)

A specialist resource bases can be located within the same premise of a mainstream school or close by.

They provide support to those, who without specialist input, are unlikely to make progress in their learning. Some children and young people who attend resource bases will spend time in mainstream lessons with their peers, where appropriate.

To be considered for SRB support the child must have an EHCP.

You can look at the specialist resource bases available visit: Primary School Resource Bases or Secondary School Resource Bases

Your school preferences will be discussed during your annual review meeting (Moving on to school or college).

Special schools

A special school provides education and support to children who have complex special educational needs (SEN) and require their SEN support to be delivered in a specialist setting. The majority of children with an EHC plan will not need a place at a special school.

To apply for a special school, your child must have an EHCP.

You can look at the special schools available visit: Specialist Schools

Your school preferences will be discussed during your annual review meeting (Moving on to school or college).

Some children and young people with additional needs often find change difficult.

As part of transition, schools, educational settings and families must work together to create a plan for your child. The EHC plan is in place to help with any specific needs, strengths, interests and potential anxieties and learning styles.

To learn how to prepare your child for starting or changing school or moving into further education:

• early years to primary school, visit: Transitions 0 to 5
• primary school to secondary school, visit: Transitions 5 to 11
• secondary school to further education, visit: Transitions 11 to 16