Hi, we have a rule 2 in Hertfordshire for school applications, this allows parents to state why they are choosing a particular school. In some instances I have written a report to support the parents decision.

Hi Siobhan,

We as a PI Service in DCC would usually visit the school and create an access report identifying issues – If reasonable adaptations can not be made or major adaptations would be needed for student to access the building we would consider the next school closest to home address that is accessible or could be adapted more easily.

I would then discuss/email the local SEND team and admissions and explain the situation. I would share my report of reasoning behind choosing a particular school.

I would also suggest requesting Transport if necessary as it could mean child travelling some distance to attend an accessible school. Quite often the cost of transport is far less than the cost of adapting a school where major adaptations are required.

I hope that makes sense!

Thank you

In Kent, depending on the admissions criteria of a school the following is the case:

Parents/carers send application to the LA

Parents also send a separate letter of application to the school. This should include the reasons why the school is the most appropriate to meet needs and, very importantly, medical evidence about the needs of the child/parent/carer.

When school know their allocation (February) and if the CYP is not on the list of initial admissions:

A committee of governors is convened and meets to decide if the school is 'nearest appropriate' to meet the specific needs of the child.

If so, the school offers a place to the child.

Nearest appropriate can also be because of the medical needs of the parent.

Note that only medical evidence is used in the decision making by the committee of governors.