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• 31 Jul 2023

• Other

  Complex

  Can't answer yes or no.:

  Thank you for this question on suitable settings for those with SEN/D. We would suggest you begin by taking a look at the following Q+As from the Noddy No-Nonsense Guide: 

  • 02.03 Do all children with SEN who attend schools attend special schools?
  • 09.30 But surely the LA/FTT can ask whether the requested mainstream placement is suitable/appropriate?

  

  Noddy 'no-nonsense' Guide
  Authors: David Wolfe QC, Leon Glenister

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• 26 Apr 2023

• Other

  Other

  Can't answer yes or no.:

  This can be a hard decision and everyone's experience will be different, for us it has happened "organically", we've stayed at Mainstream until we felt it was detrimental to our child's growth, potential and experience, luckily we have found a school that seems to suit their needs more than where they are now. It happens to be a special school but it felt like the right place. 

  In our experience the existing school should be providing advice and support on what is best for your child. Special schools will have facilities (sensory rooms etc.) and staff more prepared/trained to deal with potential situations (tools in their bag, i like to think!) so it depends on what your child needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this is hard to know until you are there and can be frustrating, especially for those that like to plan! For us it was a "go with you gut" decision and hopefully one that will pay off (new school starts September). Speak to your LA SEN Coordinator, ask them to investigate what your options are, get them to help you do the research, this can cut down many hours of searching in the dark. 

  

  Charlotte Ballard

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• 12 Apr 2023

• Yes

  Simple

  One other thing I would do in relation to this question is remind everyone what it says in the COP about mainstream education:

  9.89 Mainstream education cannot be refused by a local authority on the grounds that it is not suitable.

  For an fuller analysis of the legal framework see:

  09.30 But surely the LA/FTT can ask whether the requested mainstream placement is suitable/appropriate?

  The Noddy Guide is very good in all areas, but explaining the legal framework in relation to mainstream education is one of the many areas it is exceptional and should be regarded as essential reading. 

  

  Sean Kennedy
  Talem Law

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• 11 Apr 2023

• Other

  Other

  Can't answer yes or no.:

  Ofsted and the Department for Education have both looked at the benefits of mainstream schools vs special schools. They say that, more important than the type of school is how well they are led and the efforts to include SEN kids.

  So, both mainstream and special can provide an outstanding education for a child with ADHD, autism or other SEND (outstanding eduction doesn’t mean that there’ll never be any bumps in the road, but you probably know that already).

  At mainstream, your child goes to school with other kids who live on your street (so may make friends who can easily come round to play) and they don’t have long journeys to school. Mainstream schools are also normally larger, so there is a wider choice of good friends (and also positive role models).

  At secondary, mainstream normally offer a wider range of qualifications. Special schools sometimes have fewer options, but might offer more vocational qualifications. They’ll probably also have more expertise in SEND.

  You’ll only know by visiting and seeing what each school offers.

  If a mainstream school isn’t working for your child, that doesn’t mean they automatically need a special school. Sometimes, things break down and a switch to a different local mainstream school gives the child a fresh start.

  You might want to check out Do Autistic Children need a special school?

  

  Aaron King
  9000 Lives SEND Consultancy

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