Choosing a school
When choosing a school for your child, it is useful to know what each school is able to offer and what you can expect from the school.
Each maintained and academy school, in line with the Local Offer, will have details of how they support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities in their SEND information report.
You can use our map of schools in Lambeth to find a school and link to their website where you can view their information report.
It is always advisable to contact any school or nursery you are thinking of sending your child to, to discuss how they will meet your child's needs.
Your child has an EHCP
You can tell us which school you’d like your child to go to when we create your child’s EHCP.
We will talk to your preferred schools and your nearest schools. Your child may not be able to go to the school you choose.
How we decide which school is right for your child
The right school for your child will depend on:
- its suitability for your child’s age, ability and special educational need
- whether it has the resources and ability to teach your child and still teach other children
- if there is a nearer school that is suitable for your child
- the cost of the fees if your preferred school is an independent school.
We will name the school we think is best for your child on their EHCP.
You can appeal if you disagree with the school named in your child’s EHCP.
Transport
You’ll have to pay for transport if you choose a school that is further away from your home than the nearest school that’s able to teach your child.
Special schools
Special schools only take children who have a particular type of disability or educational need, such as blindness or a severe learning disability.
You can tell us which special school you’d like your child to go to when we create your child’s EHCP. We will name a special school on your child’s plan if we think it’s best for your child.
Independent special schools approved under Section 41
These are independent special schools providing specialist support.
The Department for Education publishes an approved list of independent special schools and specialist post-16 institutions, approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. This is often called the 'Section 41 approved list.'