Children without a school place for the beginning of the school term

2 mins read

Thursday 15 August 2024

Many disabled children and youngsters with additional needs are still without a school place before the start of the school year.

This might be because a child is waiting for a suitable school place. Or they might be waiting for the right support to be put in place, through an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or equivalent.

Sadly this is the case every year. And with support in schools for children with additional needs under increasing pressure, there are more in this situation than ever. Just this week came news that 60 children in Northern Ireland with special educational needs have no school to go to in September.

Angie Fenn, Contact’s Head of Advice, said:

“Children are returning to school this week in Scotland and the start of September in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It’s very stressful for families whose children don’t have a school place for the start of the year.

“We would encourage them to get in touch to understand your child’s rights and where to go next to push for the place your child is entitled to.”

We have lots of advice about education and learning support on our website. Or our helpline is open to give advice and help families in this situation.