School admissions - SEND

Most children will receive their education in their local catchment setting because they will not be in receipt of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

All settings must make adjustments to help children with special educational needs or disability (SEND) access the curriculum.

Choosing a setting

The social worker involved with the child in care should consult with the virtual school education advisor, area officer or placement officer on an appropriate education placement for the child in care.

If social workers are unsure about how school admissions work in relation to children in care, they should discuss this with the virtual school placement officer.

Find out more about the phase transfer admissions process.

If the child or young person is moving mid-year or in-year, visit our in-year admissions pages for more information.

Further information

For more information about support for SEND:

• view children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• visit Birmingham's SEND Local Offer website

Page last updated: 6 February 2026