Schools for children with SEN
Most children who have special educational needs (SEN) can still
go to ordinary mainstream schools and you can apply for a school
place in the same way as all other parents in Kent.
Find out more about applying for a
mainstream school place
If your child has a statement
Even if your child has a statement of
SEN, they can usually be educated in either a mainstream or a
special school. You can tell our special needs team at Kent County
Council which school you would prefer your child to go to, and the
school they will go to is named in their statement.
It is important that you ask for, and are given, all the
information, help and advice you need before making a decision
about where you would like your child to go to school.
Remember that you can take a friend with you when you visit a
school or meet with us to discuss your child's education.
Special schools
Some schools in Kent are known as special schools, because they
only take children who have a particular type of educational need
such as visual impairment or physical disability. You may want to
visit a special school to find out about the support they could
offer your child.
Our Kent maintained special schools and specialist units in
maintained mainstream schools only admit children with
statements whose needs are very severe and complex. If you are not
sure whether a special school is suitable for your child, you
should discuss this with your named officer.
Educating a child with SEN at home
You can decide to teach your child at home.
If your child has a statement of SEN, you should speak to
your named officer before deciding to do
this. We have to make sure that your child's needs (as set out in
their statement) are being met, and we may feel that a place
in a school is the best place for your child. We will discuss this
with you.
If your child does not have a
statement you do not need our consent, or the consent of the
school, to teach your child at home. However, if your child is on
the roll of a school, you should always tell the
school what you are doing before taking your child away.
Transferring from primary to secondary school
This can be a big change for you and your child. If your child
does not have a statement, you would apply in the same way as all
other children in Kent.
Find out about transferring to secondary
school in Kent
If your child does have a statement, the process is a little
different.
Find out more about secondary school
transfer for children with statements of SEN