School Choice and SEN
Where school choice is concerned there are a number of factors that have to be considered before a child receives a place in a school that is maintained by the local authority (Oldham Council Children, Young People and Families Directorate).
For children who have special educational needs but who do not have those needs provided for through a Statement of Special Educational Needs obtaining a place at a school is the same as for those who do not have special educational needs.
This information mostly relates to a move of school due to the child’s age i.e. moving from
- Infant to junior
- or Junior to Secondary
These are also called “Transitions”.
The first factor however is that if a school has places available and is undersubscribed then a child should be offered a place at that school.
School Transport
In general if parents elect to send their child to a school through parental choice, they will be responsible for any transport costs that may be involved. In some cases, allowances available, for example, if a local high school is full and your child has to attend a school a considerable distance away, a bus pass may be issued.
For those children who have a statement of Special Educational Needs, the local authority will only provide transport when the child has to attend a specific school named by the authority as able to meet the pupil’s needs. In the majority of cases, the majority of those with special educational needs will be able to be educated in their local mainstream school.
Oversubscribed schools
“Where there are more parents expressing a preference for a school than the school has places available, the admission authority MUST apply the oversubscription criteria published in it’s admission policy to determine which pupils will be admitted”.
‘Oversubscription Criteria’
“Admission authorities must make clear the ORDER OF PRIORITY in which oversubscription criteria will be applied and, must make it clear how TIE-BREAK decisions will be made (e.g. the LA uses distance from the school).”
Every school has it’s own admission policy which should be available on request. Oldham’s Policy on admissions is contained within the parents guide to admissions to primary/secondary schools.
Moving your child from school to school? Difficulties? Problems at school?
First of all, the decision to move your child to another school is one that should not be considered lightly.
- Talk to the head teacher to try to resolve any difficulties first. Sometimes a lack of communication or a misunderstanding can lead to disagreements, disputes or conflicts. These can be overcome. Contact the Parent Partnership Service. They or, if appropriate, the local independent SEN disagreement resolution service may be able to help.
- Whenever possible, talk about what you are considering with your child. It is not good to suddenly present your child with the prospect of moving school without discussing it with them first. They may have friends at their school they may not wish to loose contact with. Work out ways of keeping in touch with them. They will be able to make new friends from their new school as well.
- Make a list of schools you would like your child to possibly attend.
- Contact Oldham Children, Young People and Families, Schools Admissions Team.
- Primary Admissions - 0161 770 4213
Secondary Admissions - 0161 770 4214
They have information Guides for parents that include a list schools, school admissions policies and information about changing school. The team will also be able to give you information about any schools that have vacancies in the year group for your child.
- Primary Admissions - 0161 770 4213
- Before you visit any schools, think about the questions you would like answers to and write them down to take with you on the day of the visit. Ask a friend to help you.
- Parents should, where and when appropriate, visit (by appointment with the head teacher) as many schools as they feel necessary. This will give you an opportunity to get a ’feel’ for the school and to ask questions.
The most important thing to consider when visiting a school is the way the school made you feel as a parent. You may also want to talk to other parents who have children at the school, particularly any who have children with additional needs.
If the school is able to offer your child a place, they are prohibited by law from withdrawing that place due to the pupil having special educational needs of any kind which can include behavioural difficulties (see SENDIST).
If your child has serious, complex, or high dependency needs the school may feel unequipped to provide for their needs appropriately. In such cases you should contact the admissions team or parent partnership service for advice.