What to do if your child doesn’t yet have a school place

4 mins read

Monday 17 August 2026

Many children and young people in Scotland have already returned to school. Families across the rest of the UK are preparing for the start of the new academic year.

The education advisers on our helpline are receiving an increasing number of calls from parents and carers whose children are still without a school place.

To support families, we have put together guidance on local authority responsibilities in securing a suitable school place. We’ve also included practical steps parents and carers can take if their child is still awaiting a placement.

England

If your child has an education, health, and care (EHC) plan

Your local authority has a legal responsibility to ensure the educational provision detailed in your child’s EHC plan is delivered. (Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014.)

If a school placement has not yet been secured for September, the local authority remains responsible for meeting your child’s special educational needs (SEN). They will continue to consult suitable schools and education providers to secure an appropriate placement as soon as possible.

You should:

  • Contact your local authority caseworker to request an update on the progress of securing a placement.
  • Ask for information about the schools or settings they have consulted and any responses received.
  • Request details of any interim educational provision arranged if your child is unable to attend school at the start of term.
  • Keep a record of all communication with the local authority.

Children with an EHC plan should not be left without appropriate educational provision simply because a placement has not yet been identified.

If your child does not have an EHC plan

The local authority still has a duty to ensure that every child of compulsory school age has access to suitable education.

You should:

  • Contact the school admissions team to confirm that your application has been received and is being processed.
  • Ask whether your child has been placed on waiting lists for preferred schools.
  • Request information about alternative schools with available places in your area.
  • Keep evidence of your application and any correspondence received.

If your child does not have a school place when term starts, continue to stay in regular contact with the local authority. Ask what actions they are taking to secure a placement as quickly as possible.

Northern Ireland

Children with special education needs (SEN) may have a Statement of SEN. The Education Authority must secure the provision set out in the statement and name a suitable school.

If your child is waiting for a placement, the Education Authority still has a duty to ensure your child receives appropriate education.

Parents can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) if unhappy with the placement decision.

Scotland

Children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) may have a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP).

Local authorities have a duty to identify, provide, and review the support a child needs under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

If your child doesn’t have a confirmed place, the local authority still has a responsibility to provide an appropriate education. Parents can make use of dispute resolution, mediation, or appeal to the Additional Support Needs Tribunal for Scotland.

Wales

Children and young people with additional learning needs who require extra support should have an Individual Development Plan (IDP). (See Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018)

Local authorities have a duty to secure the additional learning provision set out in an IDP and to name an appropriate school or educational setting. If your child does not have a school place, the local authority remains responsible for ensuring they receive suitable education and the support identified in their IDP.

Need more advice?

If you’re unsure what to do next, our free helpline advisers can talk you through your options. Call us on 0808 808 3555 or visit our education pages for more advice.