Choosing a secondary school which will best suit your child / young person can be a difficult decision.

Where should my child / young person go to school?

Choosing a setting for your child / young person can sometimes be one of the hardest things you will have to do. Most children / young people will finish primary school and move to the comprehensive school in their local area. All settings must make adjustments to help children / young people with additional learning needs to be able to access the curriculum.

Transition is key when moving from primary to secondary school.

The majority of learners will receive their education at a school in their local area.

All schools have an Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) who is there to support your child / young person on their learning journey.

How do I choose a school?

It is important to choose a setting that is right for your child / young person. Here are some things to consider:

• You can start by looking for schools near you online, you can find our Swansea school contact details here
• Visit at least two settings so that you have something to compare.
• Does the setting already have all the things your child / young person needs in place?
• Try to keep an open mind until you have looked at all the possibilities.
• Speak to any professionals involved with your child / young person, these could include specialist teachers or the educational psychologist.
• What schools will your child / young person's friends be attending?
• What are the arrangements at lunchtimes?
• What are the expectations with homework, how will your child / young person be supported?

What should I consider when I visit a school?

Here are some questions you might want to ask. You will think of other things that are important to you and your family. If you are going to visit more than one school you might want to jot down some notes to help you remember.

• How many pupils would be in my child / young person's class?
• How many children / young people with additional needs are currently at the school?
• Does the school facilitate wheelchair access?
• What will the school do to make sure that all the staff know about my child / young person's individual needs?
• How does the school arrange extra support for children / young people who need it?
• How will I be involved in planning for my child / young person's needs and reviewing his or her progress?
• How will the other children / young people be helped to understand my child / young person's needs?
• How will my child / young person be helped to settle into school and to make friends?
• How will I be kept up to date about what is happening in school?
• How will the school make sure my child / young person has the chance to take part in all areas of the curriculum and extracurricular activities (such as lunchtime and after school clubs and outings)?

Remember, your own experience of school may affect the way you see the school. Try to put these feelings aside and look at the school from your child / young person's perspective.

You can find detailed information on applying for a school place on our school admissions pages.

Does Swansea Council provide transport for my child / young person to attend their primary school?

The council provides home to school transport to learners with ALN where we have decided on a placement which is further than the statutory distance (3 miles or more for secondary schools). Placement based on parental preference will not receive home to school transport.

Where a child / young person is not eligible for free transport and parents / carers deem the circumstances to be wholly exceptional, an application for travel assistance can be made.

You can find detailed information on school transport on our school transport pages.