All Northamptonshire schools provide educational support to children with a wide range of learning difficulties. All schools are also aware of the particular needs of the very able.

How do I apply for a school place if my child has a statement of special education needs?

If your child has a statement of special educational needs, you do not apply for a school place using the normal preference form. Instead you will receive a letter from the local area office of the Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) SEN team, seeking details of your school preference.

You will be asked to return your preference within 15 days.

Northamptonshire County Council decides which school is named on a pupil’s statement of Special Educational Needs and strives to complete this by 15th February 2012.

Where can I get support?

If you think that your child has special needs and they are not currently attending an early years setting please contact the Northamptonshire’s Parent Partnership Service (NPPS).

A member of staff will put you in contact with one of the Early Years Support Teachers who will be able to assist you.

If your child has special needs and they are attending an early years setting, please discuss your child’s school place with the named Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). The Head Teacher/ Teacher-in-charge or Manager of the early years setting will be able to let you know who this is and how to contact them.

How do schools help?

Schools will try to make adjustments to accommodate children who have special educational needs but not all schools are accessible for children who have mobility or sensory difficulties.

We advise parents to discuss their children’s special educational needs with a member of staff at their preferred school before completing the preference form.

Back to: Applying for a Primary School place
Back to: Applying for a Secondary School place