When your child has an Educational Health and Care Plan, you will be required to "name a school" based on your child's special educational needs. Choosing a school is such an important decision, please look at the pointers below to help:
1. Look at the primary area of need
Section B, of the Educational, Health and Care Plan will detail a summary of your child's needs. The 2014 Code of Practice sets out four areas of special educational needs:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and Physical
2. Set up a Visit
Make sure a visit is set up with the school SENCo; look at the general physical school environment, as well as the classroom environment and their Curriculum offer. Make a record of the school visit.
3. Look at Specific Provision/Intervention
Consider the type of provision in both mainstream and special schools, see what is available in reality and the professional support the child will receive. What are the qualifications needed? What type of intervention could be available? Does the school offer help with Specific Learning Difficulties/Sensory Needs/Autistic Provision; are different therapies available; eg Art Therapy; Music Therapy; Drama Therapy; Play Therapy or Psychotherapy. Does the school offer Counselling and Mentoring? Can the child access Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?
