Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Independent Schools as an alternative to Grammar

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flicka
Posts: 79
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:53 pm

Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Post by flicka »

Hi, can anyone tell me if it is a legal requirement for ALL schools (this is to include private schools) to have a Special Educational Needs Policy and provide for accessibility to this for parents, both prospective and also current parents.
Thanks
Vicster
Posts: 89
Joined: Tue May 20, 2014 1:29 pm

Re: Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Post by Vicster »

My understanding is that the LEA has a duty to meet special educational needs and that they have to have clear SEN policies. I don't believe that any such duty applies to independent schools but most do have their own SEN policies. How each independent school implements it's SEN policy is flexible. Independent schools cannot outright discriminate against children with additional learning needs as they could be taken to task using disability discrimination legislation but they can (and often do) make additional charges to cover the additional costs of meeting a child's SEN. Because they cannot discriminate they will almost certainly have an SEN policy.
It isn't uncommon for schools to have a separate termly fee to cover the costs of assisting a child with dyslexia and similar learning needs.
Many schools have their SEN policies on their websites alongside other policies or you will be able to request a copy of their policy (because they will have one).
Vicster
Posts: 89
Joined: Tue May 20, 2014 1:29 pm

Re: Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Post by Vicster »

From the good schools guide:

The statutory guidance on inclusive schooling that exists for all state schools and nurseries for children with SEN in England doesn't apply to schools in other parts of the UK (they have their own guidance) or those in the independent sector, who can please themselves.

However, fears of future litigation mean independent schools are beginning to take special needs very seriously and many will follow the guidelines or similar.
sillymum
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:13 am

Re: Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Post by sillymum »

If a child has a "statement of SEN" or a "EHCP" a parent can name "any" school - independent or maintained (LA controlled) in part 4. This would then have to be approved by the LA SEN panel and if uncuccessfull you could apply to the tribunal. Although, with an independent school there is no legal requirement for that school to accept that child, evan if it's named and with selective independent schools (and grammers) the child would have to take their common entry exam, but this does not apply to partically selective schools. The provision for the child would come in the Statement of SEN or the EHCP. Acadamies have the same legal status as independent schools.
All schools have to adhere to strict legislation in the Schools and families Act 2010 and the SEN Code Of Practice 2014
MedievalBabe
Posts: 1191
Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:56 pm

Re: Special Educational Needs Requirement in Private Schools

Post by MedievalBabe »

The Indie I have experience of allows SEN children, including children with statements in the prep school. Usually due to the fact that they start the school without having had a specific need identified and they get identified once there. As they go through the school the parents get advised that the senior school is not suitable and by CE they only get conditional places. The majority of the support provided to the children are all paid for by parents with the statemented children an exception and then they are also expected to have extra booster classes, also parent funded.

Then the senior school uses CE to be selective about the pupils it will accept and so the majority of those children who were identified as SEN are encouraged to go elsewhere. This means that the children with SEN in the senior school are generally bright and have no support in any form apart from using a laptop in classes.
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