Applying to SEN secondary school

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How do DP apply for DC to start at an SEN secondary school for Years 7 to 11/13 they’re in Year 6?

The child will need to have an EHCP stating that secondary provision needs to be in specialist education. The transition review in year 5 will discuss the most appropriate placement and should be named in the EHCP.

There are DPs applying as early as Year 3 and 4, making sure they and DC are known to the school. Does that guarantee DC name on the schools waiting list?

During the autumn term of Y6 you would have a phase transfer of the EHCP. Some LAs hold this during the summer term of Y5, but it should really be in the autumn term of Y6. During the review process, you can state your preferred preference. The LA must issue the finalised EHCP naming the secondary placement by 15th Feb of Y6.

You do not have to fill in the LA’s application form, state more than one preference, include a mainstream option or any other nonsense some LAs come out with.

Transfer from Y11 to Y12 is separate. A phase transfer review will be held in the autumn term of Y11 and the EHCP naming the post 16 placement finalised by 31st March.

Some independent SS allow parents to self fund. The above process wouldn’t apply then. You would need to approach the school directly for their process.

Unless the parents are self funding an independent school they cannot apply in Y3&4. Even many independent schools don’t look at Y7 admissions for self funders in Y3&4.