Here are some frequently asked questions on issues relating to special educational needs.
Please see our hot topics page for topical and most common questions.
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How independent is PPS?
While Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Councils fund PPS it managed by a Management Group made of parents, the voluntary sector, and the LEA's. The PPS Officer is not managed by the LEA but by a representative of the voluntary sector. The SEN Code of Practice says that the arrangements for supporting parents must include the appointment of independent persons and the service must be set up at arms length to the LEA. The information and advice that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire PPS gives is independent of the LEAs but relates to the Code of Practice. Sometimes this means that PPS will challenge a school or the LEA about a particular issue and sometimes PPS will confirm to the parent that the school or LEA is fulfilling what is required in the Code of Practice.
How do I know that the school will meet my child’s needs?
Parents are encouraged to visit any school they are considering for their child. A lot of schools will have an open evening for prospective pupils, if you contact the school direct they will be able to give you the dates. As well as having a guided tour of the school and looking at the facilities it is a good idea to arrange to meet the school Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). They are the person who will have a role in ensuring what is provided meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs. They will also know about school policies and practices. Another way to find out about the school is to read the school special educational needs policy and others like anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies. The school’s Ofsted report will also be a good source of information, so will speaking to other parents and pupils and looking at the schools website.
How welcoming is the school to my child and us as parents?
When you visit a school, you need to look at the surroundings – do they have lots of different displays and do they seem to have work by children of all abilities?
If there are children working in the school, do they look happy? Are they helpful and friendly?
Do the staff seem friendly and approachable? Are they interested in what you are saying about your child?
Is there evidence of the school being part of the wider community?
For more information please see our two leaflets – Checklist for visiting schools and Which school?
Can a school refuse to admit my child?
Parents have a right to tell the Local Authority, the school they would prefer their child to attend. If a school is over subscribed an admissions criteria is used.
For further information on the admission criteria please contact –
School admissions Team
City parents - 9150763
Rushcliffe, Gedling, Broxtowe - 98546000
Newark, Bassetlaw, Ashfield, Mansfield - 01623 433433
Children with special educational needs may not be refused admission because the school feel unable to cater for their needs. Their admission application must be considered on the basis of the schools published admission’s criteria. Where a child has a statement in which a mainstream school is named, the governing body of the school must admit the pupil.
How easy is it to get my child into special school?
The expectation is that the vast majority of pupils with special educational needs, including pupils with a statement, will have their needs met in a mainstream setting. In a few instances a special school will provide the best setting to meet a pupil’s special educational needs. In these circumstances a pupil will need a statement of their educational needs.
Which special school is best for my child?
Visiting different special schools gives parents a good idea about the school that could best meet their child’s needs, in the same way that parents visit mainstream schools. Parents may express a preference to the Local Authority about the school they would like their child to attend, there then will be discussions with the Local Authority as to the best placement.
Can my child access special school and a mainstream school?
Yes, this is called a dual placement. Children may spend most of their time in the local mainstream school but access the local special school for specialist provision. For a child to access this they need a statement of their special educational needs.
Are there any combined primary + secondary schools on one site?
There is only one commonly sited primary and secondary school which is situated in the north of Nottinghamshire.
Will my child qualify for special transport?
This depends on whether the school is the nearest suitable school or a preferred choice of school. Most children get access to a school bus, which may be part funded by the Local Authority. If your child has a need which means they are unable to access public/school buses and they attend their local mainstream school, they may qualify for special transport. This is looked at on an individual basis by the Local Authority. The transport could be a taxi or a minibus. Some school shave developed a buddy system for children who can access the regular school and need some support. Older pupils at the school support other young people on the buses. Usually a member of staff will be available to escort your child to the school bus if she or he needs assistance. If your child attends a special school they may be provided with transport – this should be discussed with the Local Authority.
What sort of school structures can I ask about?
Parents can ask about anything that might relate to their child, There are some issues that are particularly important to parents including how pupils are supported and school-to-home communication. As well as asking general questions, parents should feel able to ask about specifics like, who is responsible for particular roles and how things happen?
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