Year 7 admissions for special needs(?) child

[Samasta]

My daughter (currently year 4) has prediabetes and most likely will develop type 2 diabetes by the time she goes to secondary school. Her diagnosed condition means that she is not going to have normal body or life going forward. She can't participate in PE at her primary school. I am not sure if she is classifiable as "special needs". She needs to go to a good school and make most of her intellectual abilities to support herself. I really want her to crack 11+ and go to a good school. Thankfully her learning and reading abilities are not impacted.

My question is if there is anything that might hold her back apart from academic and catchment criteria of selective schools. How do schools look at potential students who are not exactly special needs, nor really normal either. Are there any pros or cons of getting her recognised formally as special needs student. How do I give her the best shot at getting into a great secondary school, and make best of her abilities.

Some schools have an exceptional medical or school needs admission category, but the threshold to be considered under that is high. You normally have to show, with professional evidence, why that is the only suitable school. I cannot imagine prediabetes or T2D would ever manage to be considered under that criteria.

Other than that SEN doesn’t affect school admissions, positively or negatively, unless the child has an EHCP.

Can I ask why DD cannot do PE?

I'm not sure totally what you're asking.
If you're asking about schools, I'd imagine every secondary school will be able to deal with a child with diabetes. You'll need to look around and check out those which you may get into by distance and decide which would be most helpful for your child.
I very much doubt that you can use it to apply for a school she wouldn't otherwise get in to, if that's what you're asking. I know some schools do have medical as a admissions criteria, but to my knowledge that's more along the lines of having no stairs for a wheelchair user.

Why can't she do games though? I'd fight that one unless she really can't, because it's disgraceful that schools get away with just saying they can't when a small adaption means all can take part. (speaking as a child with a physical disability).

To make the most of her abilities, encourage her to do everything to her best within her capability. Don't make her feel she "doesn't have a normal body". That's really going to make her feel pretty rubbish. Encourage her to join in as much as possible, and recognise the signs herself when she's going "low" to be able to react accordingly.

Selective state schools cannot discriminate on but independents can. If she has an EHCP you could name school although not sure how that works with selectives.

Does she have a medical condition that has caused her to become pre diabetic?
as a Senco, I’ve dealt with a few children with Type 1 diabetes, but never Type 2. They had Health Care plans, but didn’t have EHCPs. If your DD is doing well in school academically, she won’t get an EHCP purely for the T2 diabetes.

Sorry but I think we need to know why she can't do sport ?
And what special needs she has due to the pre diabetes/ type 2

That is a good point, my post applies to state school admissions. Although independents still have to abide by the Equality Act and cannot discriminate against someone because of their diabetes.

Thanks for your messages everybody.
My DD has a very rare kind of lipodystrophy, which results in thin limbs, joints inflexibility, flat feet, hearing loss, diabetes, etc. She is keen on cycling, swimming, walking in woods etc but when it comes to group sports, she can't do it at the same level as peers. At PE time she plays ball by herself.
She is good at literacy, numeracy, craft, and at the moment seems to stand a chance at selectives we know. She might develop difficulties in handwriting 3-4 years hence, we really hope she doesn't.
Would getting EHCP now affect her chances at potential secondary schools, say if schools say that they can't support her? I am confused if EHCP would help out hinder her.

I would get her touch typing well be she may need it. An EHCP may help her get access arrangements for 11+ exams, for example, like rest breaks.

I don't think she would qualify for an EHCP would she? Her needs aren't severe enough.

That said in answer to your question, all schools must abide by the admissions code. They cannot discriminate against children and admission to a school will be based on how closely she meets their published admissions arrangements - normally sibling then proximity. Some schools have a category for health but she would have to demonstrate why this school is more suitable - you'd need evidence (social worker, consultant). You could also use this at appeal - but again you're going to need to show that the desired school is the only one that can meet her needs. Given that her needs aren't too out of the ordinary I doubt this would succeed by itself but might help.

She wouldn't need an EHCP for reasonable adjustments to be made.

An EHCP should give you more choice in regards to state schools. If you have an EHCP, you can name your preferred school and they generally have to admit your child as priority unless they can prove they can't meet your child's needs. A selective school will be slightly different, in that she will still have to gain a good score on the test, but the bar may be slightly lower. This will vary though and you would need to look at the admissions criteria. If her school feel she meets the criteria for an EHCP, I would get them to apply.

If you are looking at independent, things are a bit different in that they can choose who to admit.

Agree, but it might for during the school day and be recognised by SENDCO.

So this isn’t so much about prediabetes but DD’s wider medical needs. Based on your most recent post DD should be on the SEN register.

With an EHCP you get to name your preferred school and with the exception of wholly independent school the LA can only refuse if they can prove

-The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.
The bar to prove the above is high.

But you will only get an EHCP if DD needs one. Is the current primary meeting DD’s needs?