Choosing the Right School Placement

When your child is moving to a new phase of education, (whether that’s primary, secondary, or post-16) it can feel like a big and sometimes overwhelming decision. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), this transition (often called a phase transfer) is not just about changing schools; it’s a legal process designed to make sure the right support is in place for your child to thrive.

This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, where to find information, and how to make a decision that feels right for your child and your family.

Understanding the Phase Transfer Process

During a phase transfer, your local authority must review and update your child’s EHCP. This includes identifying the most appropriate school placement.

Key things to know:

• The review usually begins in the autumn term before your child moves

• A final EHCP naming the next placement must be issued by:

  • 15 February (for primary → secondary transfers)

  • 31 March (for post-16)

• You have the right to request a school, and your views must be considered

  
  

This process is meant to centre your child’s needs—but it can sometimes feel systems-led. Staying informed helps you stay in control.

A great website for understanding SEND law is here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk

A Neuroaffirming Approach to School Choice

Every neurodivergent child is different. There is no single “best” type of school—only what is the best fit for your child.

A neuroaffirming approach means:

• valuing your child’s differences, not trying to “fix” them

• focusing on environments where your child feels safe, understood, and able to be themselves

• recognising that support needs can change over time

  
  

The goal is not just academic progress, but wellbeing, belonging, and confidence.

Your local authroties Local Offer (online )is a key place to start when researching schools:

Here you can:

1. explore special schools and specialist units

2. see what types of needs they support

3. understand age ranges and provision

   
   
   
   

   How to Explore and Compare Schools

1. Start with your child’s needs

Think about:

• communication style

• sensory preferences

• social environment

• learning profile

• what has/hasn’t worked before

  
  

2. Look at both mainstream and specialist options

Mainstream schools may offer:

• inclusion in a local community

• access to a wide curriculum

• opportunities to build diverse friendships

  
  

Special schools may offer:

• smaller class sizes

• specialist staff and therapies

• more structured, adapted environments

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Neither is “better”—it’s about what enables your child to thrive.

3. Visit schools (if possible)

A visit can tell you far more than a website.

Look for:

• how staff interact with pupils

• whether the environment feels calm and supportive

• how differences are understood and respected

  
  

Trust your instincts—how a place feels matters.

Who to Speak To

You don’t have to navigate this alone. It can really help to talk things through with:

• Your child’s current school SENCO

• Local SEND/Inclusion Team (local authority)

• SENDIASS  (independent advice and support service provided in each Local Authority)

• Professionals involved in your child’s care:

  • Specialist Teachers

  • Educational Psychologist

  • Speech and Language Therapist

  • Occupational Therapist

    
    

Questions to Ask Schools

When speaking to or visiting schools, you might want to ask:

Understanding and approach

• How do you support neurodivergent pupils in a neuroaffirming way?

• How do you adapt teaching for different learning styles?

Staffing and support

• What is the staff-to-pupil ratio?

• What training do staff have in autism / ADHD / SEND?

Environment and wellbeing

• How do you support sensory needs?

• What happens if a child feels overwhelmed?

Communication

• How do you communicate with families?

• How are children supported to express themselves?

Transitions

• How do you support children moving into your school?

• Can transitions be gradual or personalised?

  
  

Making the Decision

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain. You’re balancing a lot:

• your child’s needs now and in the future

• practical considerations (travel, siblings, community)

• professional advice

• your own instincts as a parent

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There isn’t a perfect choice—only the one that feels most likely to support your child’s wellbeing and development.

Top Tips

•  Start early – give yourself time to explore options without pressure

• Keep notes – track conversations, visits, and your impressions

• Listen to your child – their voice matters, in whatever way they communicate

• Focus on needs, not labels – what support helps your child thrive?

• Visit more than one setting – comparison helps clarify what feels right

• Ask for support – SENCOs, SENDIASS, and professionals are there to help

• Know your rights – you can request a school and challenge decisions if needed

• Trust your instincts – you know your child best

  
  

Choosing a school placement is a significant step—but it’s also part of an ongoing journey. With the right information, support, and a clear focus on your child’s strengths and needs, you can make a decision that helps them feel safe, understood, and able to flourish.