What Makes a School ‘Right’?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned—both from my personal journey and from supporting families of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)—is this: not all schools are created equal.

Here’s what I mean by that:

• Some mainstream schools go above and beyond to support SEN students. Others, unfortunately, fall far short.

• Independent schools aren’t automatically better just because they’re privately run. High fees don’t guarantee the right support.

• Specialist schools may sound ideal on paper, but even they might not be the best fit for your child’s individual needs.

The most important thing to remember as a parent is that the right school is the one that meets your child’s unique needs. It’s easy to be swayed by glowing recommendations or horror stories from other families—but what works beautifully for one child might be totally wrong for another.

What I Look for When Considering a School

Over the years, I’ve developed a list of key things I consider when supporting a school placement decision. These can help you look beyond the prospectus and the polished website:

Staff Attitudes & School Culture

How do staff interact with students? Do they truly reflect the school’s stated ethos and values? While you may not always get to see a school in full swing—especially specialist settings—events like open days or summer fêtes can offer a glimpse into the school’s atmosphere. Even their social media presence can give clues about what they genuinely value.

Leadership and Inclusion

How does the Headteacher or SENCo talk about inclusion? Do they speak with passion and sincerity? Are they genuinely open to diverse learners, and do they back this up with action? Look for evidence—not just nice words.

Environment and Facilities

What are the school’s facilities and how well are they looked after? Are the classrooms spacious or crowded? Are there sensory-friendly areas like climbing equipment, outdoor spaces, or quiet rooms? These practical details can make a huge difference in how a child copes and thrives at school.

Community Feedback

Talk to current or past families if possible. Individual experiences will vary, but listening to several perspectives can highlight recurring strengths or red flags. Look for patterns.

Every Child Is Different—And So Is Every Journey

You’ll also need to weigh other important factors: your child’s primary need, any provision listed in their EHCP, therapy access, the overall academic environment, and the school’s cohort. All of these pieces contribute to the bigger picture.

I remember, at one point, feeling completely defeated—convinced there wasn’t a single school out there that could meet my child’s needs. I visited school after school, and nothing felt right.

But I kept going. I stayed open. And eventually, the right school found us.

You're Not Alone

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn next, please know you're not alone. I’d be more than happy to be a listening ear if you need one—drop me a message any time.