Falconer School is one of four secondary SEMH schools in Hertfordshire. All students at Falconer School have an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

There are a number of steps you should take if you are considering a specialist placement for your child.

1. Discuss with your SENCO

If you are thinking of requesting a special school placement for your son, the first thing to do is to discuss it with your child's SENCO. They know how your child's needs are met in their current school and they will be able to talk to you about the guidance for special school places, and talk through your views on your child's school placement.

2. Contact your SEN Officer

Your child must have an EHCP to meet the criteria for a specialist setting.

After you have discussed it with your SENCO, you can contact your SEN Officer. The SEN Officer is the person who manages your request for a special school. They arrange for your request to go to a panel, and they handle the consultation process which occurs after.

3. An Annual Review to request a change of placement

Your SEN officer and SENCO should hold an Annual Review and you should request a change of placement to Falconer.

4. Await the decision of the Local Authority

When a young person is being considered for admission to an SEMH school their case is heard at a Provisions panel which decides the type of school that would best meet the needs of that individual student. The school will receive a consultation and will respond to explain whether it can meet needs. Following this a Placement panel meets to allocate an actual provision. 

5. Transition Plan

Once a place has been allocated at Falconer School, we arrange a visit for the student with parents and carers and a transition plan is organised. Transitioning to an SEMH setting is an important part of supporting a successful transition to the school. These can last from 1 -2 terms, depending on the nature of the students needs but will be reviewed. As soon as transport is organised a start date will be agreed between Falconer School and the parents and carers.

6. In-Year Admissions

The local authority continue to make the decisions about in-year admissions in consultation with the school. The process is the same as indicated above.

7. Over-Subscription

Falconer does not hold waiting lists and, when full, the Local Authority will make the decision to consult elsewhere

8. Appeals

Appeals are managed by the Local Authority as defined in the Code of Practice 2015

For further information regarding how to request a place at Falconer School please visit: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/education-support/education-options/requesting-a-special-school-place.aspx

or speak to your SEN Officer.