Fernways School

Choosing Fernways School

While referrals to Fernways School must come from your Local Authority, your parental preference is important and should always be taken into account during the EHCP process.

The steps you take depend on where you are in the process.

If you are a professional working for a Local Authority, you can read our referral process, including how to make a referral, here.

If your child is being assessed for an EHCP

You can ask your Local Authority to consider Fernways School as part of the assessment process.

You can:

• Tell your EHCP Case Officer that Fernways School is your preferred school
• Explain why you feel the school best meets your child’s needs
• Request that Fernways School be consulted when the draft EHCP is prepared

Your Local Authority must consider your views.

You are welcome to book one of our open events to get to know the school.

If your child already has an EHCP

You can request a change of school at any time.

To do this, contact your EHCP Case Officer and ask them to consult with Fernways School. Share your reasons for your preference.

Your Local Authority will then send your child’s EHCP and supporting reports to us. We will review the information and respond directly to them.

 

Information, advice and guidance

If you are unsure what to do

Navigating education as a parent or carer for a child with can be a challenging time. Below are some sources for help and advice.

Your Local Authority SENDIASS Team

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) exist in every local authority in England, providing free, impartial, and confidential support to parents, carers, and young people (0-25) with SEND

Your Local Parent Carer Forum

Parent carer forums are parent-led groups and often supported by Contact: the charity for families with disabled children and Department for Education grants, with at least one in almost every local authority in England.

IPSEA

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is an English charity established in 1983 that provides free, legally based advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Open Events at Fernways School

Seeing the school for yourself is one of the best ways to understand whether it feels right.

Fernways School hosts regular open events for prospective parents and carers. These sessions allow you to:

• Tour classrooms and specialist spaces
• Meet some of our staff
• Learn about our curriculum and therapeutic support
• Ask questions about your child’s needs or the EHCP process
• Get a real sense of our environment