When your child is in Year 5 you should start thinking about which secondary school they will go to. It is your right to state your preferred school/s and you can get information on all schools in your area from Wiltshire Local Authority (LA) and ask.
If your child is on School Action or School Action Plus you should apply for your place in the usual way.
Attend school open events for prospective parents and ask what will be done to help your child settle in and thrive.
Talk to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) about your child’s needs. Ask about those activities and subjects your child likes or does well at.
Ofsted include comments on SEN provision in their reports on schools.
Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP)
In Wiltshire all mainstream schools (except the 2 grammar schools in Salisbury) provide ELP for children with a high level of need i.e. with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ASD, language, communication or moderate learning difficulties.
ELP can provide a child with practical support such as areas for them, help with reading and writing, equipment, and someone for you or your child to get in touch with if necessary.
Children will receive flexible, personalised, specific support as and when they need it, both in and out of lesson time if necessary, which will be monitored and adapted as your child’s needs change.
You will be consulted and agreed support will be written into your child’s individual plan. It is important that you talk to the school to ensure appropriate provision is arranged and any special arrangements can be put in place to aid a smooth transfer.
If your child has a Statement of SEN
If your child has a statement, secondary schools will be discussed at the Yr 5 annual review (Transfer Review). You will be entitled to attend and contribute to the discussion as can any professionals who work with your child e.g. Class Teacher, Health or Social Care Workers, Therapists and Educational Psychologist, Parent Supporter etc.
By December of Yr 5 you will receive a proposed statement. You will also receive a list of state mainstream and special schools; however, this list will not include any independent or out of county schools.
You will have an opportunity to decide on your preferred choice of school which the LA will consider alongside any other evidence.
You should receive a final statement by February of Yr6 naming the LA’s final choice of school.
You can discuss the statement and the named school with the LA at any time. If you are unhappy with any decisions they will try to resolve the issues.
You also have the right to appeal, if necessary.
Post 16 education
From the age of 13-19 students on the SEN Code of Practice (School Action, School Action + or statement) should be provided with advice and guidance from a Personal Adviser from the local Connexions service. The Personal Adviser can give advice on various post 16 options and will attend annual review meetings for children with statements from Yr 9 onwards.
The choices available for young people at age 16 are the same whether or not they have SEN or a disability.
Opportunities available include courses in the basics of reading, writing and numbers, GCSE’s and A levels, work based learning, NVQ’s and apprenticeships.
Colleges and sixth forms have to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled students are not disadvantaged. The support available varies so it is important to visit the setting and get details from the Learning Support Adviser or SENCo.
Local colleges provide courses for students with moderate/severe learning difficulties aimed at preparing them for independent living and/or work.
There are also specialist colleges which cater specifically for students with more complex needs though these are often independent and require fees. It may be possible to get help with the cost – Connexions can advise on this.
Disability, Accessibility and Medical Needs
Community Special schools usually take children with statements and particular types of special need (in Wiltshire these include emotional and behavioural, severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties, complex moderate learning difficulties and autism) - some offer boarding provision.
There are also a number of independent fee paying special schools.
Some mainstream secondary schools also have places in specialist centres for SEN including hearing/visual impairment, physical difficulties.
You can ask to see a schools SEN policy and we would always advise you to arrange a visit to talk over any worries. If you wish, an ADW from the ask Parent Partnership Service (aPPS), or a friend or relative could accompany you.
Find out what assistive technology would be available to your child.
Speak to the school nurse about their school’s experience, ability and willingness to support your child with needs such as incontinence, administering medicine or supervision.
You should also consider physical access and modifications if your child is, or may become, a wheelchair user.
All schools have a legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act to make any reasonable adjustments to their buildings and curriculum for anyone who may use their facilities.
Duties in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 require schools to:
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increase the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school curriculum.
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improve the environment of the school to increase the extent to which disabled pupils can take advantage of education and associated services.
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improve the delivery to disabled pupils of information which is provided in writing for pupils who are not disabled.
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promote equality of opportunity for disabled people: pupils, staff, parents, carers and other people who use the school or may wish to.
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prepare and publish a Disability Equality Scheme to show how they will meet these duties.
Ask to see a Disability Equality Scheme policy and Action Plan (accessibility plan) as this should detail any changes the school plan to make or have made.
Check our search for secondary school web pages to view summaries of secondary school information.
Further information
ask
08457 585072
Wiltshire Council (Local Authority), Central SEN Services Team
01225 713003
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/special-educational-needs-site
Physical Impairment Service
01225 771685
www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Connexions Direct
08080 013219
www.connexions-direct.com
Education and Learning contacts for disabled children
www.direct.gov.uk
Skill – National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
www.skill.org.uk
The Association of National Specialist Colleges
www.natspec.org.uk
Learner Support Helpline
08001 218989
