Admissions process for special schools and specialist colleges

You can request a special school or specialist college when an education, health and care (EHC) plan is being written, or at an EHC plan review.

Your EHCP coordinator will prepare paperwork. It will be sent to one of the following places:

• If you have requested a complex needs special school in Norfolk special school in Norfolk for children and young people with a significant learning disability, or a single need special school for autism or social emotional and mental health difficulties, the paperwork will be sent to the headteacher of the school. They are asked to consider if the school is suitable for your child and if they have spaces. 
• If you have requested an independent school the LA will ensure that a state special school has also been consulted either previously  or at the same time. This ensures any offers from either sector which are received can be considered, in relation to quality, distance and cost, at the same time. 

Independent schools are considered first at SENRAP (SEN Referrals and Placements Panel) by LA officers to ensure that the schools requested are potentially suitable and whether  current school or state special school can already meet need. If agreed the consultation will be actioned.

Independent schools recognised by the government (DfE) and subject to what is known as s41 will always be consulted if requested. 

• If you have requested a Specialist Independent College, the paperwork is sent to the High Needs Funding Panel for consideration.  The High Needs Funding panel is a group of local authority professionals
• Offers are made to the LA and not to families. Once received the LA will then  make a decision whether to accept the offer