Update from the SEN team on allocation of school places

Dear parents,

As you may know, Wednesday 15 February is the deadline by which the SEND team allocate places for children and young people with EHC plans who are moving up to junior or secondary school. This year we need to let you know that we have only partially achieved this and the SEN team are still working through the secondary phase transfers for pupils with EHC plans. This explains why you may not have heard from the SEN team yet about where your child is going to school in September.

We hope to offer all families places before the summer term begins. Please note that it will not impact on transition preparation there will still be enough time for children and young people to have a positive transition.

We are very sorry for the delay which has largely been caused by staffing vacancies in the SEN team, and we know other local authorities are in a similar position.

Going forward, we are actively trying to recruit to the SEN team. We are covering with a number of staff vacancies and it will make a big difference when we are staffed again.

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Willis (SEN Service Manager) or myself at sen.education@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or Portsmouth Parent Voice or SENDIASS if you are in touch with them already.

Liz Robinson
Head of Inclusion