Applying for a school place without an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

The most important thing to know is that the law is on your side. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must treat your child fairly.

• No Refusals: A school cannot say "no" to your child just because they have SEN or a disability.
• Reasonable Adjustments: Every school must change how they do things to make sure your child can learn, play, and thrive. This might mean extra rest breaks, different ways of teaching, or special equipment.
• Mainstream Support: All schools in Havering are expected to support children with extra needs. You do not need a special "Unit" to get good support.

Depending on when your child needs a school, you will use one of these two paths:

A. Cohort Admissions (The "Big Move")

This is for children moving to a new stage of school.

• When: Applications open in September and close in October for Secondary school applications and January for Reception and Junior applications.
• Who: For children starting Reception, moving from Infant to Junior school (Year 3), or starting Secondary school (Year 7).
• How: Apply online via the eAdmissions website.
• Top Tip: You can list 6 schools. Always use all 6 spaces. If you only list one and it’s full, the council might give you a school a long way from home.

B. In-Year Admissions (Moving Now)

This is for families who need a school place immediately.

• When: Any time during the school year.
• Who: For families who have just moved to Havering, or if your child needs to change schools right away.
• How: Apply through the Havering Parent Portal on the council website.

What to expect: The council will process your application within 10 school days, and you will be notified of the outcome via email. If we cannot offer your child a place at any of the schools you have applied for (because they are full), your child will be placed on a waiting list. If we can offer your child a place at a school you have applied for, the school offered will contact you to arrange an admissions meeting, with a view to your child starting as soon as possible.

Some schools in Havering have "Specialist Units" (like an Autism or Language unit) attached to them.

• The Rule: These units are reserved only for children who have an EHCP.
• The Fact: Just because a school has a unit does not mean the main part of the school is "better" at SEN than any other school.
• Your Choice: Look at the whole school, not just the unit. Every mainstream school is legally required to be well-equipped to help your child.

• Visit the Schools: Go to open mornings. Ask to speak to the SENCo (the teacher responsible for special needs).
• Check the Rules: Most schools give places to children who live closest. This is called the "Admissions Criteria."
• Supplementary Forms (SIF): Some schools (such as Church schools) require an additional paper form. If you don't send this, you might not get a place.
• Be On Time: If you apply late, you are much less likely to get the school you want.

Contact the Havering Admissions Team at schooladmissions@havering.gov.uk