Care and support

Applying for Special School

Can my child go to school if they have special educational needs?

Most children with special educational needs go to their local school. They are taught with children of their own age. Sometimes they receive extra help from their class teacher or some other special help provided by the school. Some children may need more specialised support. Where children have more complex and significant special educational needs, Children, Schools and Families will undertake a thorough assessment and may write a formal Statement of Special Educational Needs.
All Hertfordshire schools do their best to meet the needs of all their pupils. The staff at the school will talk to you about how they intend to meet the needs of your child.

Can I choose my child’s school?

Parents with children starting school for the first time or moving to a secondary school at the end of Year 6 need to complete and return an application form. The forms are sent to parents with booklets giving all the necessary information about getting a school place. If you have not received this information you can contact the Hertfordshire County Council Customer Service Centre on 01438 737500. If calling from area codes 01923 and 0208 you may wish to ring 01923 471500 so that your telephone call is charged at local rates.
Schools can only take the number of pupils they are designed and built for. Where more children apply for places than are available in a school you will be offered a place at your nearest school that has places.

Where can I find a list of Hertfordshire schools

Information about Hertfordshire schools are listed in:

Starting School Directory: Primary School Information via the 'Primary Admissions'.

Secondary School: Information Booklet

These booklets are available via the 'Secondary Admissions'links to the right of this page or by requesting a paper copy via the 'Request a publication from Children, Schools and Families' link on the right.

The booklets include school addresses, names of Headteachers, telephone numbers and the size and type of school.

If you want to consider a school in another county you will need to contact the Local Education Authority for their schools list and admission procedures.

Some children who have complex and significant special educational needs may go to a special base, unit or school. If your child has a Statement your special needs officer will give you a list of specialist provision in Hertfordshire.

Useful information to read before I visit the school

All schools will have:

• A School Prospectus or Brochure
• The most recent Governor’s Annual Report to Parents
• A Special Educational Needs Policy
• Other policies such as their Behaviour Policy or Equal

Opportunities Policy

Any OFSTED Inspectors report on the school. This information is also available on the OFSTED website on www.ofsted.gov.uk Reading through the written information about the school will give you an idea of what the school is like and may help you to identify particular areas where you might want to ask questions or find out more information.

Getting more advice

Our staff can guide you through the information given in the admissions booklets and where necessary will refer you to the local admissions team. Our lines are open from 8.00am –8.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am-4.00pm on Saturday. Telephone 01438 737500, callers from 01923 or 0208 dialling codes may wish to call 01923 471500 in order to be charges at local rates.