Primary school admissions, I've no clue...

[CoffeeLover90]

Hi, I have one DS. he'll start reception next September. About 3 weeks ago I was told by a friend that I'd need to apply for school places from next month. I'd no idea, I'd thought it would have been after Christmas I'd need to apply! Anyway, I do not want to use my closest school, it's got a terrible reputation, I got in touch with another 2, only one has answered me. I visited, I liked it. The other school hasn't got back to me.
The school I visited is within walking distance, small class sizes and 1 teacher and 1 ta in each class. Also an additional support class and a SENCO as well as an additional TA.
The school that hasn't got back to me has a good reputation, its a large school, classes are split in 2, I'm unsure of the sizes and use of TAs as, obviously, I haven't had the opportunity. They're further away, would require a bus journey and buses are not reliable at all around here.
DS is awaiting assessment for ASD and, I may be overthinking, but I need to know that a school will cater to his needs.
Now, when I come to giving my choices do I need to provide 4? Can I apply for only one? I am in the catchment area for the preferred school although they are under another council.

What are you going to put as your 4th preference?

@crumpetswithjam I have said in my PP that I'm requesting an ECHP. People on this post seem to think I won't have one by the time reception starts so possibly can't use that route to get a place in first preference. I don't know as have no experience of them, which is why I've asked nursery for a meeting to get advice.
I am focused on my child. I've mentioned catchments etc because other people have brought it up and are telling me what I do and don't understand. I've also said in PP that I have my preferences based on the schools ability to support children with SEN. That's according to the reports and not face to face, apart from the one i visited, where i was also able to chat with thier SENCO. There's no open days advertised on their website, I've checked these. I was told by the school to email re a visit. I'll send both a follow-up email and ask about potential open days, I know parents with kids in second preference so I'll find out that way, thank you.

@HereWeHave No idea, I'll look through my notes tomorrow but the top 3 appear best for dealing with SEN. Hoping I get one of the first 3 though, preferably the first.

The EHCP process takes 20 weeks. So long as you periodically remind your local authority of that legal limit they will stick within the timelines. You do have time. You have more than enough time.

educationadvocacy.co.uk/what-is-a-ehcp/timeline/

OP won’t have a finalised EHCP before the normal admissions deadline. Therefore, she should apply as normal even if she also applies for an EHCNA because if an EHCP isn’t issued or she has to appeal, potentially more than once, she may not have a finalised EHCP before September next year. Which if she hadn’t also submitted a normal application would mean she would have to make a late application and be left with whatever school had places. Appeals at the moment are taking an age.

Yes but she will have one by the time the child starts school, and she will be able to name any school, no matter how full/far/near they are.

OP won’t have a finalised EHCP if she has to appeal multiple times, as many parents do.

Even one appeal could be pushing it as those receiving hearing dates now are receiving dates in April/May/June. So, if OP applied today and had to appeal a refusal to issue 16 weeks from now (the legal timescale for the LA informing parents they won’t be issuing an EHCP) she wouldn’t be submitting an appeal until the end of January. Then she would be looking at a 7-9 month wait for Tribunal, then the time waiting for the decision notice and 11 weeks for the LA to issue the final EHCP so the time will be tight.

Also, you say “no matter how full” which isn’t quite correct. Whilst ‘full’ is not defined in law, and on its own being ‘full’ is not enough of a reason to refuse to name parental preference, and DC with EHCPs placed after national offer day are excepted pupils, there comes a point where the LA can prove the school is so full admitting DC is incompatible. The bar is high but there comes a point where the LA can prove this and it is more likely once other places have already been allocated.

I know the criteria for refusal, I have been to tribunal, twice.

Then you will know “no matter how full” isn’t accurate.

Just because you are in catchment doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a place. In most areas you can self refer for SaLT.