Admission process for children with an EHCP, additional learning needs or a disability
If you think that your child needs to go to a special school/academy, talk first to your portage worker, child’s playgroup, nursery or early years centre.
It is important to remember that no places can be guaranteed at schools/academies suggested or recommended as being suitable for your child by staff at your child’s primary school/academy or by other advisers.
If your child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
If your child has an EHCP there is a different admission procedure for applying for a reception place.
- At the Annual Review there should be an opportunity to discuss which primary school/academy may be suitable to meet your child’s needs. A copy of the Annual Review will be sent to the Council’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team, who will then contact the school/academy named in the report to request a place for your child and may also discuss potential alternative settings with you.
- You do not need to submit an application for a child with an EHCP as places are allocated in the school that has been named in the child’s EHCP. If an application is made then this will be discarded. If you wish a different school for your child other than the one currently named in your child’s EHCP you will need to contact your SEN Officer.
If you would like to discuss your child's transition to primary school, you can contact the SEN Team on 01432 260178 or email SENteamdiary@herefordshire.gov.uk
If your child is waiting for an EHCP to be finalised
If you are in the process for applying for an EHCP, apply for a reception place following the standard online admissions process. Once the EHCP is finalised, your application can then be withdrawn if necessary.
Apply for a primary school place for September 2024
If your child has additional learning needs or a disability and does not have an EHCP
You will need to apply for a reception place following the standard online admissions process, in the same way as all other children.
Apply for a primary school place for September 2024
If you have concerns about the process or the choice of a suitable school/academy, you may find it helpful to discuss this with your child’s pre-school setting or other professionals involved with your child’s education and welfare.
Our Special Educational Needs section has more information and guidance.