Choosing and changing school
How do I go about choosing a school?
If your child has a statement of special educational needs the Special Education Section of the LEA will provide you with information about schools within the borough, and on request, they will provide a list of independent schools approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, mainstream schools and special schools in other local authorities. If your child does not have a statement you should contact Schools Admissions at Perceval House on 020 8825 5511 (Primary Admissions) and 020 8825 5522 (High School Admissions) for an Ealing schools information brochure and application form.
Which is the best school for my child?
There is no ‘best school’ able to meet the needs of every child. When choosing a school or nursery for your child, school brochures and talking to other parents and friends can be helpful in giving you a general picture. However, it is best to visit the school, meet with the staff and pupils and to ask questions to get a ‘feel’ of the school as it is important that you feel confident that your child will be happy and be able to learn in that environment. Try to visit more than one school so that you are able to compare what each has to offer. Schools may have open days, or may be able to arrange a visit during a normal school day when you, and if possible your child, can see the day to day routine in action. Many schools prefer to see a copy of the draft statement or relevant reports before your visit so they have a picture of your child’s needs and can assess whether the provision they offer is appropriate for your child.
How can I make the most of school visits?
When visiting a school it may be helpful to consider:
- Taking any relevant up-to-date reports or assessments of your child
- Preparing a list of questions that will help you get the information about the school’s ability to meet your child’s needs
- Talking to your child about where they would like to go
- Taking your child with you if you, the LEA and the school feel it would be helpful (some schools may want to meet and assess your child).
If you would like assistance in preparing for a school visit, Ealing Parent Partnership may be able to help you.
Frequently asked questions:
What school meals are offered?
How is homework set and how often?
Will friends be going to the same school?
Are there after school clubs and activities?
How big are the classes?
Is the size and layout of the school suitable for my child’s special needs?
What are the school rules?
What are the school’s policies on special needs, equal opportunities, bullying and behaviour?
Will the school respect and support our family’s religious and cultural beliefs?
How does the school communicate with parents?
What extra help is available to meet my child’s special needs?
How many children are there with similar needs?
Is there access to physiotherapy, speech therapy etc?
How are pupil’s efforts rewarded?
How will my child get to school? Will they walk, take a bus/train, or will they need to be taken?
How long will it take my child to get to school?
Have the staff got qualifications or had training in SEN?
What happens when my child starts nursery or changes school?
When a child has a statement of special educational needs there are procedures to ensure that their needs continue to be met as they move from nursery or playgroup, to primary and high school. You have a right to state a preference for a school for your child. The LEA has a legal responsibility to decide which school your child will attend, but this decision will be made only after careful consideration of your views. The LEA will approach the school you have named as your preferred placement in part 4 of the draft statement, or if the statement needs amending following your child’s annual review. If the school is able to provide a place and meet your child’s needs, that school will be named in part 4 of the statement. It is important to remember that the decision whether or not to name your preferred school in the statement, is made by the LEA and not the school. Once a school is named in the statement, that school must then accept your child. The LEA has no legal duty to place a child in a non-maintained or independent school.
What happens if you do not get the school of your choice?
If the LEA disagrees with your school choice and does not name it in the statement, they will explain their decision in writing and will consult you about any other school you would like your child to attend. However you can appeal to the SEN and Disibility Tribunal if you disagree with the reasons given.