Choosing a Secondary School for Your Child with SEN – Looking Beyond the Open Evening
During the last couple of weeks, there have been many conversations with Year 6 parents about applying for a high school place.
The move to secondary school can feel like a big step for any family, but when your child has special educational needs, there can be even more to think about. The school with the best reputation, the best results, the newest building or even the one your child's friends are choosing may not necessarily be the school where your child will feel happiest and thrive.
The first step is to visit potential schools. When visiting schools, try to look beyond the open-evening presentation. Think about your child's individual needs. How would they manage a busy corridor, changing classrooms, several different teachers or an unstructured lunchtime? What would happen if they became anxious or overwhelmed?
Meeting the SENCO can be particularly helpful. Ask how support works in everyday lessons, how teachers are made aware of individual pupils' needs, what pastoral support is available and how the school communicates with families. You might also ask what an enhanced transition could look like for your child.
Many schools in Norfolk have separate classrooms, or bases, which children are able to access depending on their individual needs – is there something similar available for your child?
Most importantly, involve your child where possible. Their priorities may be very different from yours. Feeling safe, knowing where they can go for help or simply knowing what lunchtime will look like can make a significant difference.
Norfolk families can also use the Norfolk School Finder and seek impartial information from Norfolk SENDIASS when exploring their options. Norfolk guidance confirms that children do not need an EHCP simply to access additional SEND support in a mainstream school. Norfolk SENDIASS
For families applying for a September 2027 secondary place, Norfolk's current deadline for an on-time mainstream application is 31 October 2026. Norfolk FISO gives more information on how to apply for a high school place, including details of the process if your child has an Educational Health Care Plan.
Possible questions to ask the SENCo when looking at potential schools:
1. How will you support my child’s specific needs in lessons and throughout the school day?
2. What additional transition support do you offer pupils with SEND moving from Year 6 to Year 7?
3. Who will my child go to if they are struggling, anxious or overwhelmed during the day?
4. How will you communicate my child’s needs to all the staff who teach and support them?
5. How is my child’s progress and well being monitored, and how will parents and the child be involved in reviewing support?
6. If my child is not coping, or their needs change, what additional support can you put in place and how quickly?
Further useful information can be found at:
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