Question about SEN provision and how it works

[Novid19]

Hi there

My DS is 9 months old and has DiGeorge syndrome. Currently he is doing very well. He could end up being in mainstream school with support, no support or at a special school - we really have no idea.

We are currently looking for a new area to live in and I haven’t really been factoring in schools as it just seems like there are too many unknowns.

Can any of the more experienced SN parents tell me how this all works? Are you tied to your local borough (we live in London) provision when selecting a special school or can you go wider? Has anyone been in the same position when deciding where to live?

Also, does anyone have any knowledge of Barnet’s provision? I know they have hugely cut back on council services but have no idea if SEN education or even early intervention services come under that or wouldn’t be affected.

Apologies for the long clueless post, this is a whole new world!

It depends what your ds will end up needing.

If it is mainstream with no support you go through the process as with any child. Although if there is a specific mainstream school that you want there is a medical/social form you can fill in which can support the application for a particular school.

If ds needs additional support, he would start on the SEN register and they would put in a system (in agreement with you) of assess, plan, do, review. This may be different if he goes to a private nursery but they should have some means of tracking his progress in any case even if it isn't exactly the same.

If your ds needs support above and beyond this you would need to apply for an EHCP. This can either support him in mainstream or open the doors to go to special school.

In the EHCP you have the ability to name whichever school you like. The LA will then consult with the school and see if your child will be right for the school/if they can support his needs. There is a slightly different method if the school is private (whereby the school have to agree to have your child before the LA can consult).

In theory you can choose any school you like in any area and the LA have to consult. However the LA will usually try and place your child within borough as it is cheaper for them to do so. So if you choose somewhere expensive/out of borough and the LA disagree you will have to prove that the school you want is the ONLY school that is able to support your child.
I would also factor in that sometimes (more in mainstream than special) it is hard to get two LA's to work together to provide provision.

I'm not far from Barnet (I live in a different borough) and had heard it was ok. I think everywhere has had budgets cut and it's hard to find good SEND provision generally.

I would look more at specific schools than areas in general. Although it will be hard to know at this point what your ds might need.

Thanks so much @livpotter, that’s extremely helpful.