Choosing a school
What to consider when choosing a school for a child with additional needs.
In Oxfordshire, we have over 500 schools. Understanding what schools have to offer regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is very important.
When evaluating a school, it's important to ask the right questions. With the right support, most children with special educational needs can go to a local mainstream school. Below are some key pieces of information you should look for on a school's website to understand the school and its support.
Types of school
Primary
Primary school is the first stage of compulsory education in England. It is for children aged 4 to 11 years old and is usually split into two parts: infant school (Key Stage 1) and junior school (Key Stage 2). Children typically start in Reception at age 4 and move on to secondary school at age 11.
Infant School / Key Stage 1 (KS1)
Infant school is for younger children, usually aged 4 to 7 years old.
- Reception (age 4-5)
- Year 1 (age 5-6)
- Year 2 (age 6-7)
Junior School / Key Stage 2 (KS2)
Junior school is for older primary-aged children, usually aged 7 to 11 years old.
- Year 3 (age 7-8)
- Year 4 (age 8-9)
- Year 5 (age 9-10)
- Year 6 (age 10-11)
Secondary School
Secondary school is the next stage of education after primary school. It is for young people aged 11 to 16 years old (and up to 18 if they stay on for sixth form). Students move to secondary school in Year 7 after finishing Year 6.
Secondary school is divided into two main stages: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 3 (KS3)
Key Stage 3 is for students aged 11 to 14 years old.
- Year 7 (age 11–12)
- Year 8 (age 12–13)
- Year 9 (age 13–14)
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
Key Stage 4 is for students aged 14 to 16 years old.
- Year 10 (age 14-15)
- Year 11 (age 15-16)
Post-16 Education
After Year 11, young people can continue education or training until age 18.
- Year 12-13 (age 16-18)
Students may study A levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships at a sixth form or college.
Special Schools
A special school is a school which caters for children and young people with severe, profound and complex special educational needs. Different schools specialise in supporting different kinds of needs such as autism, severe learning difficulties, visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech, language and communication, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Special schools provide a broad and balanced curriculum which is appropriately modified to support the needs of any individual child. The whole spectrum of children’s needs is supported through the involvement of many education, health and care professionals.
Who can access a special school?
A special school is suitable for pupils with complex special educational needs. When considering whether a child or young person is suitable for a placement, professionals will consider a range of criteria. Part of the criteria will be the student’s cognitive ability and their scores on standardised testing, as well as individual pupil profiles of needs.
How to access a special school
- The local authority is the admissions authority for all special schools.
- Admission criteria for special schools is set out in the admissions criteria booklet.
- A decision-making group within the local authority will discuss each pupil being considered for admission and recommend the appropriateness of the placement.
- Usually, pupils are admitted at the beginning of an academic year, but in exceptional circumstances an extraordinary admissions panel will be convened to determine the appropriateness of the provision.
- The referrals process starts in the autumn term for the following September intake, and places are confirmed in March prior to entry.
Elective Home Education (EHE)
Most parents choose to send their children to school to be educated, but you are legally entitled to educate your child at home. We call this elective home education.
Who is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo/ SENCo)?
SENDCOs work in schools to support children, families, and staff. They ensure that students with special educational needs can access education and achieve their potential. The SENDCO works closely with the headteacher and governors to ensure a clear strategic plan for special educational needs and disabilities provision.
SEND Information Report
The SEND Code of Practice requires schools to publish a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Information Report that must be updated at least once a year.
This report should detail the school's provision for pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and explain how it implements its SEND Policy. It should include information on how the school identifies, assesses, and supports children with SEND.
The SEN Information Report should be clear and easy for parents and carers to read and understand. For those selecting a school for the first time, it is an essential resource, providing insight into the support available for children with special needs.
Most schools will have a dedicated SEND or inclusion page. Others may publish their SEND information report with their policies.