To still consider schools that haven't replied?

[scrambledeggchair]

My DD (8yo) and I are moving to the other end of the country in January. I didn't think we'd be able to get up there, so I emailed all the schools I liked the look of & asked to have a chat with their SENCOs, explaining briefly about her additional needs (DD has been referred for ASC/ ADHD investigations, she has a neurological disorder which has caused severe MH problems this year, though she's doing much better now).

A few replied, some didn't. Then, my boss offered to pay for us to go up there next week, so I emailed the schools again last week, asking if we could come and look round.

Only one school has replied so far. They've been on half term this week, so I might get a couple more replies tomorrow.

But if I don't, AIBU to phone the schools who haven't replied & try to get more visits arranged? My friend says I should just show up, but I'm not sure about that??

On the one hand, it's not a very good sign re communication, and if they're reluctant to reply because they don't want any more SEN kids, then that's really sad & definitely puts me off.

But then, the secretary isn't the whole school , are they - her school secretary now is absolutely lovely, but the SENCO & SLT are some of the least compassionate people I've ever met, and bullying is rife (the deputy head told me it was 'understandable' DD was getting picked on as 'none of the kids or adults have ever seen anything like this before'). When DD told her friend she was feeling suicidal, they were angry with her; they've blamed me for being a DV victim. I just want a nice school for her, with nice teachers & nice kids - anything else is a bonus!

Plus, I think that schools shouldn't be able to pick & choose who goes to their school based on SEN needs, if that is what they're doing.

Most importantly, I'm desperate to find a school that suits DD, and that she's excited to go to. Would be much more likely to make the right choice if we saw lots! And we have to put 3 choices on the transfer form as not all will have places.

Would be grateful for any thoughts! And if anybody has any tips re what we should be asking or looking out for, that would be super useful too!

I would imagine some schools have staff in over half term and others don’t. That’s all. Call them in the morning and ask to make an appointment to view when you are there

Should you first check if they have any spaces available? We move this year and it was hard to find a school with spaces. Hopefully not the case for you but worth checking first- best of luck !

I did email last Thursday, so there was a couple of days left of term, wasn't expecting replies this week. But I get it can be hectic right before half term - just didn't get many replies to my first email which was a good month ago, so I'm not super hopeful.

I spoke to the council and this isn't the way it works in the area apparently. The schools aren't able to tell me whether they have spaces - I need to make the application and then the LA goes down the list and checks spaces.

One of the schools have told me they don't currently have any spaces in year 4, but says it does fluctuate so might change 🤷🏽‍♀️

And thank you hope it all went well for you!