Choosing the Best School for Your Child’s EHC Plan: Key Tips
Navigating the process of choosing the right school or college for your child’s Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan can feel overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it’s essential to understand your rights and the options available to you. This blog will guide you through key considerations and steps to help you make the best decision for your child’s future.
Did you know that in England alone, over 1.8 million children have special educational needs? Finding the right school or college can be challenging, especially when your child has an EHC plan. Whether you’re looking for a mainstream school, a specialist college, or something in between, it’s important to know how the process works and what you should be looking for. This guide breaks down the key aspects of choosing the best educational setting to meet your child's unique needs.
Step 1: Understanding Your Right to Request a School or College
When an EHC plan is drafted for your child, you have the right to request a specific school or further education (FE) institution. The local authority must consider your request and has a legal duty to name your preferred school unless they can prove it is unsuitable for your child's needs, would impact the education of others, or result in an inefficient use of resources.
Types of Schools and Colleges You Can Request:
Mainstream Schools: These include state-funded primary and secondary schools, academies, and free schools.
Special Schools: Schools specifically designed to meet the needs of children with specific types of SEN.
Further Education Institutions: Post-16 colleges that offer a range of academic, vocational, and life skills training.
Independent Schools: Although not maintained by the local authority, some independent schools are approved to provide specialist education.
Knowing these options helps you focus your search on the type of institution best suited to your child's needs. For more details on different types of schools and your rights, you can refer to the IPSEA website.
Step 2: What to Consider When Choosing a School or College
Choosing the right school for your child is about finding a setting where they will be supported, feel included, and thrive. Here are some critical factors to consider:
Specialist Support: Does the school have experience and resources to meet your child’s specific needs? For example, do they have trained staff, therapists, or facilities for children with learning disabilities, physical impairments, or behavioural challenges?
Curriculum and Learning Environment: How does the school approach learning for students with SEN? Look for personalised curriculums, alternative learning methods like project-based learning, and enrichment activities that align with your child’s interests and abilities.
Integration and Inclusion: Does the school promote an inclusive environment? Schools that use tools like child-centred planning and skills curriculum often provide tailored support that fosters both academic and social development.
Post-16 Support: If your child is approaching 16, consider how the school or college supports the transition into adulthood, employment, or further education. For more tips on selecting the right school, check out Contact’s guide.
Step 3: Preparing for the School Request Process
When you have narrowed down your school choices, the next step is to make an official request to the local authority to name the school in your child’s EHC plan. Here's how to get started:
Gather Information: Review the school's SEND policy, visit the school (in person or virtually), and speak to staff members to understand how they will support your child.
Create a List of Questions: Ask about the school’s experience with EHC plans, their support strategies, and how they handle transitions.
Prepare Your Case: If you are requesting a particular school, be ready to explain why it is the best fit for your child’s needs. Include details on how the school's resources, staff, and curriculum align with the goals in the EHC plan.
Your local authority should support you in this process, but being proactive and well-prepared can make a big difference.
Step 4: What if There Is a Disagreement?
If your preferred school is not named in the EHC plan, you have the right to challenge this decision. Common grounds for refusal include the school being deemed unsuitable or the placement causing an inefficient use of resources. However, it is up to the local authority to prove this.
Tips for Resolving Disagreements:
Seek Mediation: Use the SEND mediation services provided by your local authority.
Appeal: If mediation is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND). · Get Support: Organisations like IPSEA offer free legal advice and support for parents navigating the SEND system.
Step 5: Considering Personalised Support with SAILs
For families looking for a more tailored educational approach, SAILs offers a unique curriculum and planning framework. Our PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) tool helps align educational experiences with each student's aspirations, and our multi-disciplinary support team works to ensure a holistic learning environment.
How SAILs Fits into Your EHC Plan:
Personalised Curriculum: At SAILs, we focus on creating a bespoke curriculum that encompasses academic learning and life skills.
Integrated Support: Our multi-disciplinary team includes specialists in psychology, occupational therapy, and education to provide comprehensive support for each student.
Enrichment Activities: Beyond academics, we offer enrichment activities to foster personal growth, creativity, and social skills, preparing students for future transitions. For more information on our tailored educational support, visit www.sails-op.com.
The benefits of choosing the right school for a child with an EHC plan are well-documented. Research indicates that children who receive tailored support are more likely to experience improved educational outcomes and develop essential life skills. The UK government’s own SEND Code of Practice reinforces the importance of parental choice and the child’s individual needs in deciding on school placement.
Many parents worry about the complexities involved in the EHC plan process or whether their preferred school will provide the right support. SAILs aims to alleviate these concerns by offering a comprehensive, person-centred approach that empowers students and families. By using SAILs' assessments, personalised planning, and tailored curriculum, families can ensure their children’s educational experience is built around their unique needs and aspirations.
Ready to explore a tailored educational path for your child? At SAILs, we are here to support you in every step of the journey. Contact us today to learn more about our integrated education and support services and how we can be part of your child's success story. Visit www.sails-op.com to get started.
Choosing the right school or college for your child’s EHC plan is a crucial decision that impacts their future success and well-being. By understanding your rights, researching your options, and considering how a personalised approach like SAILs can support your child, you can make a choice that aligns with their needs and goals.
Don’t navigate this process alone. Let us help you find the best educational setting for your child. Visit www.sails-op.com to discover how we can support your family in creating a brighter future.