Ealing Parent Partnership and
Hammersmith & Fulham Parent Partnership

Choosing Schools

Obtaining information about Schools

Many children with special educational needs are educated in mainstream ordinary schools. In some cases, however, children attend special schools which take children with particular types of special needs - for example special schools for the blind or deaf. For information about Insights school in Ealing for children with special needs see the Insights website.

If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs the LA will send you details of state mainstream and special schools in the area. They will also on request send you a list of all 'non-maintained' special schools (usually run by charities) and all independent schools that are approved by the relevant Secretary of State as suitable for children with SEN.

If your child does not have a Statement of Special Educational Needs you can contact Ealing School Admissions Service at Perceval House on 020 8825 5511 (primary school admissions), or 020 8825 5522 (high school admissions), or go to their website at http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/education/schools/admissions/ for information on schools in Ealing.

You can learn a lot about schools by reading their brochures and websites and talking to other parents and friends. However, it is usually best to actually visit the school, ask questions and meet the staff and pupils before deciding where you would like your child to go.

Back to top Visiting Schools

You should try to visit more than one school so you can compare what each has to offer. Schools may have open days, or you may be able to arrange a visit during a normal school day so you can see things in action.

Many schools like to see a copy of relevant reports and assessments before your visit so they have an idea of your child's needs and whether they can make suitable provisions. You may also want to take such reports with you on your visit.

You may want to take your child with you if you, the LA and the school think it would be helpful - some schools may want to meet and assess your child. You should also talk to your child about where they would like to go.

Back to top Your Rights when Choosing Schools

If your child has a Statement of Special Needs you have a right to say which school you would like your child to go to, but the LA make the final decision . When the Statement is drafted Part 4 naming the school your child should attend is left blank and you will be asked to express a preference for a school (see the page explaining the Statement of Special Needs for further details).

You may wish your child to go to a school that is not run by the LA - a non-maintained or independent school. The LA will consider your wishes, but they have no legal duty to place a child in a non-maintained or independent school if there is a suitable state school.

The LA have to consult the school before naming it in the Statement, but it is the LA and not the school which make the decision. If the LA disagrees with your choice of school and does not name it in Part 4 of the final Statement they will explain their decision in writing. You can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal if you disagree with the reasons given by the LA - see the page on the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal for more information.

There LA have an ongoing duty to review your child's statement each year and to ensure your child's needs continue to be met as they progress from nursery to primary to high school. Your have similar rights to express a preference for a school and appeal against LA decisions at these times as well.