Choosing a School for Children with SEN

Your child may have a particular talent or a special educational need or both. ISC mainstream schools admit children with additional needs, disabilities and illnesses ranging from those who need just a little extra help to those with a statement of special educational needs under the Education Act 1996 for whom a mainstream setting is appropriate. In all cases schools are concerned that children are helped to develop to the best of their ability and that they do not suffer academically because of their special needs.  

Additionally, some of the best specialist schools in the country for pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia and associated difficulties are ISC schools. However, at the moment there are very few ISC member "special schools" specialising in physical disabilities or autistic spectrum and related disorders. Independent specialist schools may accept pupils with or without a statement of SEN.

Full lists of approved special schools including independent schools, in your area, should be available from your local authority. Additionally, if your child has special educational needs, whether or not they have a statement of SEN, you are strongly advised to speak to your regional ISCias parent advisor to check what support schools in your area can offer and discuss your child's requirements with the head of your preferred schools before making your decision.

Details of a few charities giving free legal advice to parents are given below. Alternatively parents can contact the Law Society for the names of specialist education lawyers in their area. ISC cannot accept any responsibility for the content of these websites or the quality of advice they provide.

The following charities can assist those needing free legal support or relevant information:
IPSEA (Independent Panel for Special Education Advice): Freephone Advice Line: 0800 018 4016 - wide-ranging legal information
AFASIC: information concerning speech and language - very good downloadable advice sheets
SENDIST
Downs Syndrome Association: 0845 230 2172 (Tues & Thurs 10am- 1pm)
ACE (Advisory Centre for Education) Advice line: 0808 800 5793 Exclusions Line: 0207 704 9822 (weekdays 2pm-5pm)
Children's Legal Centre: 01206 872466
Disability Law Service: 020 7791 9800
SKILL: (over 16s) 0800 328 5050
National Autistic Society: 0845 070 4002
OAASIS: Asperger's and ASD advice: 01590 622 880  see also their legal help leaflet

Use our Suppliers and Services section
Using the search facility on The Product Pages will help you find the details of companies and organisations that may be able to assist you and your child(ren). You will find sections including Courses, Educational Psychologists, help for Special Educational Needs and Private Tutoring.