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• 27 Sep 2026

Yes

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Simple

Ms Docoli,

Yes. An educational psychologist can properly express the professional opinion that a pupil requires a special school placement without identifying or recommending a particular named school.

The important distinction is between the type of placement required and the particular school to be named.

An EP may conclude, for example, that a pupil requires a special school because of the nature and extent of their identified needs and the provision required to meet them. That does not mean the EP must also identify a particular school.

The statutory framework reflects this distinction. Section I of an EHC plan distinguishes between the type of school or institution and the particular institution which is named. In appropriate circumstances, Section I may specify the type without naming a particular school. There are, of course, circumstances in which the statutory provisions require, or the law ordinarily expects, a particular school to be named, but that is a separate question from whether an EP can express an opinion about the type of placement required.

The question of whether a particular school is suitable requires evidence about that school and whether it can meet the pupil’s individual needs and deliver the required provision.

Equally, there is nothing inherently wrong with asking an EP to give a view on whether one or more particular schools would be suitable. Provided the EP has sufficient information about the pupil’s needs and about what the school actually provides, there is no obvious reason why the EP should not express a professional opinion on that question.

One small terminology point: “special school” is the statutory term. “Specialist school” is not a separate statutory category. “Specialist placement” is sometimes used more loosely, including in relation to an ARP or other specialist provision within a mainstream school. If that is what is meant, it is better to say so expressly.

So, in short, “special school” can describe the type of placement; naming School A or School B identifies the particular institution. An EP can properly express an opinion on the former without necessarily expressing an opinion on the latter.

Obviously, this is a general comment and not legal advice on any individual case.

I hope this is helpful, and I look forward to reading the other commentary.

Sean Kennedy



Sean Kennedy

27 Sep 2026

This is helpful

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