SEN secondary schools on the Wirral / Merseyside

[EarlsMomma]

Hi,
First post here. We are looking to move to the Wirral later this year / next year and I'm trying to find a secondary SEND school for my daughter (currently attends SEN primary, year 5).
There isn't a lot of choice, Clare Mount Sports college is the only one that seems appropriate according to the Wirral Local Offer listing but it's really boy heavy and my daughter hates sport. I'm also hoping to look around Hilbre resourced provision but not sure a mainstream provision is right or not yet as she wouldn't be able to integrate into any mainstream lessons. Meadowside looks nice but I was told (by Wirral SEN team) that it's for more complex needs and therefore unsuitable. The SEN team don't give me info about out of area or independent schools.
Otherwise it would mean independent or out of area but it's so hard to find information about which independent school would suit her needs, it would be so helpful to speak to someone with experience in this area, we live in SE London / Kent at present so trips to the area are limited. Does anyone have any insight into secondary SEND schools on the Wirral please? My daughter has autism and moderate learning needs. Many thanks indeed

You can search for schools here.

ARPs generally require pupils to integrate in to mainstream to one extent one another.

Be aware if you move LAs the new LA will review the EHCP and potentially amend, reassess or even cease to maintain.

Also take in to account EHCP placements are decided earlier than the normal admissions round so you want to have moved by the time special school places are allocated. Full isn’t legally defined and on its own being full isn’t enough of a reason to refuse to name a school in an EHCP, the LA have to prove admitting the pupil is incompatible, but the LA are more likely to be able to do this if everyone else’s places have already been allocated.

Try again with the link, here.

Thanks AReallyUsefulEngine.
I cannot bear the thought of them ceasing to maintain the EHCP. It's too stressful.
Can I name the Wirral school in advance of the house move? I don't know how to time this so that my kids are attending school and not missing out. I have to name the school by this summer, but no way can we have moved by then. I wish my OH was sorting this instead of me, it was horrendous getting the primary school place to start with

In theory you could name a Wirral school prior to moving, but in practice your current LA aren’t going to as it is impossible for a placement that far away not to be unsuitable &/or incompatible based on your current location.

When you move, the new LA have to provide an education until a school place is sorted and the provision currently in the EHCP until it is reviewed, so they shouldn’t miss out on too much. As long as you move by mid autumn term you should be fine to be considered alongside other pupils.

Thanks so much AReallyUsefulEngine

Hi @EarlsMomma I hope everything worked out for you. Would you mind updating if it’s not too much bother? I am going to be in a similar situation moving to the Wirral.

Hi @vinoandbrie I found a couple of perfect schools for both kids and the SEN lady from Wirral authority seemed confident we would get in. But I'm still concerned as we won't be moving until just before my daughter starts secondary at best, so I'm worried there won't be a space for her. The way things are going with mortgage rates it might take even longer.
As Areallyusefulengine noted, we can't name the Wirral school yet so had to name one locally for the time being.
Happy to tell you about the schools I saw, maybe a PM would workout best? Is that a thing on here?

BTW I have no idea why my username has changed. The email notification came to me and I don't remember changing my username. Earl is still my fur baby. I must have made a new account or something

so I'm worried there won't be a space for her.

Are the schools wholly independent? If not, the LA must name them unless 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.

Being full is not defined in law, and on its own being ‘full’ is not enough of a reason to refuse to name your preference. The LA has to prove the school is so full admitting DC is incompatible. They have to show it is incompatible rather than ‘just’ detrimental so the bar is higher than an “adverse effect”, “impact on” or “prejudicial to”. Obviously there is a point where schools are so full LAs can do this, but many LAs say schools are full without being able to prove incompatibility. Unless the school is wholly independent the LA can, and must, name the school regardless of the school’s objections unless they can prove one of the reasons above.

Wow that's so great to know @AReallyUsefulEngine thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. That puts my mind at rest as the LA lady seemed sure the school that I chose was the right fit. As did the year 7 lead teacher at the school. That's very hopeful then

The LA may force you to appeal, bit unless they can prove one of the exceptions your appeal will be upheld. Do you have the LA and school’s opinions in writing? If not, follow up your conversations with emails so you have a paper trail should you need the evidence at a later date.

Great idea thank you, I will seek email replies,. Could come in handy for sure!

Hi, did you make the move and was it easy to.find a school? I am also in the process of moving from SE/Kent to wirral and my daughter will be going to Yr 6 in Sept hence need to find schools.
Also do you mind me asking wjxih area you moved too? Am struggling to choose between Prenton and Leasowe or Morton. Do you know about Leasowe?

Hi @Eyecandymum we haven't moved yet. Our house didn't sell so we withdrew and will relist in Feb. We think we will probably aim for Wallasey due to coastal location. We also like Prenton and oxton and there are some lovely houses there, we just decided upon coastal but would still consider Prenton / Oxton for the right house. I don't know Moreton at all, I think Leasowe is very near Wallasey. We dont need to be near the schools as our kids both have different SEND so at least one of them will probably need transport. There are fewer SEND schools which made it a bit easier to choose. My niece goes to Prenton girls school for secondary and she's happy there. I think the school I chose for my daughter is in Moreton, but it's SEND only.

@Nosser09 oh thanks for letting me. Sorry you haven't moved. The sell market is tough, am crossing my fingers that I exchange contracts cause first buyer withdrew and I already offered on a lovely house which was reduced. I suppose yes, I can live in one area then kids go school in another area, was worried about catchment areas.
thanks and goodluck

Catchment areas don’t apply when DC have an EHCP.

@Eyecandymum yeah my kids have EHCPs and @AReallyUsefulEngine says, it means we don't need to worry about catchment areas. If they don't have EHCP then I guess catchment is still the best / only way to get into the school you prefer. Good luck to you too