Thinking about your child starting infant or primary school can feel daunting. Take the opportunity to visit schools during open evenings to get a feel for the environment. If you miss these, you could request a meeting.
By law, all schools must publish a SEND Information Report showing how they support pupils with SEND. Take a look at these for the schools you are interested in. You'll find them on school websites.
For children currently undergoing an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment and awaiting a decision for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) it is strongly recommended that parents continue to apply for school placements through the usual school admissions process. If an EHCP is agreed upon, it will not affect the final decision regarding the child's placement. However, if parents do not apply on time, and the EHCP is delayed or not agreed upon, it may reduce their ability to choose their preferred school.
For children that have an EHCP, parent carers do not need to complete the usual school admissions application as the process is overseen by the Southend-on-Sea City Council SEND Team.
Visit the education transitions page for links to information about primary school admissions and the process for those with an EHCP.
To find out more about prospective schools and the support available for your child, here are some questions you could ask the school (courtesy of the Southend School Admissions Team and SENDIASS Southend):
- Is there an enhanced transition for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)?
- Who will be the main contact for me at the school regarding my child's SEND?
- Will we get a home/school communication book? If not, how should we communicate with our child's teachers?
- If my child is on SEN Support or has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), how will their progress be monitored and how often will I meet with the teacher/SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator)?
- If the school is more than one storey high, are all floors accessible to children with mobility issues?
- What time does the school day start and finish?
- What happens at breaks and lunchtimes? Can my child have a choice of packed lunch or hot dinner, and can they eat somewhere other than the lunch hall if it is too busy or loud?
- Is there somewhere my child can go if they don't want to go outside at break or lunchtime?
- Are there separate playgrounds or outside spaces for reception or infant aged children?
- How many teachers or teaching assistants or learning support assistants are in the classroom?
- How often do you have assemblies?
- Is there support for children with SEND at breakfast or after school clubs?
- Does the school have bells or PA announcements during the day?
- Is homework given? If so, how often?
- Are all staff trained in recognition, teaching and support for pupils with SEND?
- How will my child's needs or difficulties be communicated to all staff?
- What support is given to children who have difficulty with self-help skills like toileting and dressing and undressing for PE?
- My child struggles with sensory processing difficulties, what adjustments can be made regarding school uniform or the PE kit?
- My child struggles to focus on verbal instructions, will they be given alternatives like a visual timetable or now and next board?
- How are children that need support with reading, spelling, maths or homework supported?
- My child needs regular emergency medication in school, what arrangements do you make to support this?
- Does the school have a dedicated medical officer on site daily?
- Where can my child go if they are struggling/anxious or need a sensory break?
- What support is given to children who suffer with anxiety? Does the school have trained counsellors or play therapists?
- What support will be given if my child has a meltdown?
- Does the school access support from any specialist services?
- What else might be helpful to know about my child joining your school?