Planning School Placements and Transitions for Neurodiverse Children: A guide for Parents in Scotland, England, and Wales
Transitions can be stressful for any family, but when you have a neurodiverse child - whether they are autistic, have ADHD, dyspraxia, or other additional needs - planning for a school change requires extra time, preparation, and organisation. Whether you’re applying for a new school, transferring out of your catchment area, or requesting specialist support, knowing what to expect and when to act is crucial.
This guide covers the key steps for parents in Scotland, England, and Wales, helping you understand timelines, placement requests, evidence requirements, and what to do if things don’t go to plan.
Start Early: Planning Your Timeline
School transitions - whether starting Primary 1/Reception, moving to Secondary/S1, or transferring schools - need to be planned well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Here’s a general timeline to help you stay organised:
12 - 18 Months Before Transition:
Start researching potential schools. Look at their policies on inclusion and additional support.
For specialist placements or enhanced provision, Contact your local authority to understand the process and criteria.
9 - 12 Months Before Transition:
If you’re considering a placement outside your catchment area or requesting an enhanced placement, gather information and evidence (e.g., reports from Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists). Remember that each of these services might have waiting lists, so consider NHS and independent practitioners for reports.
Arrange visits to schools. Many schools offer open days or may allow individual tours if requested.
6 - 9 Months Before Transition:
Submit placement requests by the relevant deadline (see below for specific information on placing requests in Scotland and school admissions in England/Wales).
Ensure you have submitted all supporting evidence with your request.
3 - 6 Months Before Transition:
Follow up on your application. Contact the local authority or school to check on the status of your request.
If approved, start working with the school to create transition plan for your child.
Placing Requests and School Admissions: Key Information
Scotland: Placing Requests and Specialist Placements
Mainstream Placing Requests (Out With Catchment Area)
If you wish to send your child to a school outside your catchment area, you need to make a placing request to your local authority.
Placing requests are usually submitted by 15th March for the following academic year, but it’s best to check your local council’s specific deadlines.
You can submit evidence alongside your request, such as professional reports highlighting why a specific school is better suited to meet your child’s needs.
Enhanced Provision and Level 4 Placements
For children who require significant additional support, parents can request an enhanced placement (e.g., a school with a specialist unit) or a Level 4 placement (highly specialised units within mainstream schools and sometimes separate to any mainstream school).
To request an enhanced or Level 4 placement, you will typically need:
Reports from professionals (e.g., Educational Psychologists, medical specialists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists).
Evidence of your child’s current support needs and why mainstream provision may not be sufficient
Decisions are made by a multi-disciplinary team within the local authority, who will assess whether the placement is appropriate.
What Happens if a Request is Refused?
If your placing request or specialist placement request is refused, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are typically made to the Education Appeals Committee or, for Level 4 placements, to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland (ASNTS).
England and Wales: School Admissions and Specialist Placements
Mainstream School Applications
In England and Wales, school applications are generally handled by the local authority. If you’re applying for a school outside your catchment area, you must include this in your application.
Applications for primary and secondary school places are typically submitted by:
15th January for primary schools (Reception).
31st October for secondary schools (Year 7).
Parents can rank their preferred schools, and local authorities will allocate places based on availability and admissions criteria.
Specialist Placements and EHCPs
If your child had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in England or a Statement of SEN in Wales, you can request a specific school that meets their needs, including specialist schools or units within mainstream schools.
The process involves:
Reviewing your child’s EHCP or Statement with the local authority.
Submitting a request for a specific school, along with supporting evidence (e.g., reports from professionals, details of current support needs).
Local authorities must consider your request and can only refuse if they can demonstrate that the placement is unsuitable or would impact the efficient education of others.
What Happens if a Request is Refused?
if your request for a specific school is refused, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal in England or the SEN Tribunal in Wales. Ensure you have clear evidence of why the requested school is necessary for your child’s needs.
Key Steps for Parents: Summary
Start Early: Begin researching schools and gathering evidence at least a year before the transition.
Understand the process:
For Scotland: Submit placing requests or specialist placement requests to your local authority.
For England/Wales: Apply through the local authority’s admissions process or work with them to update your child’s EHCP/Statement.
Gather Evidence: Collect professional reports that highlight your child’s needs and why a particular school is appropriate.
Visit Schools: Arrange visits to potential schools to assess their suitability.
Submit Applications: Ensure you meet all deadlines for placing requests, mainstream applications, or EHCP reviews.
Follow Up: Keep in touch with the local authority or school to track your application’s progress.
Appeal if Necessary: If your request if refused, don’t hesitate to appeal. Seek advice from local or national support organisations.
Additional Resources for Parents
Scotland:
England:
Wales:
Transitions are significant moments in a child’s life, but with proper planning, clear communication, and early action, you can ensure your child has the best start possible. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and there are many resources and organisations ready to support you through the process.