For most families, August is spent buying school uniforms, labelling PE kits and getting children ready for the new school year.
But for thousands of SEND families, August is filled with uncertainty.
One question keeps coming up:
“What happens if my child still doesn’t have a school place for September?”
Sadly, this is a reality many families face every year.
You’re Not Alone
Every summer, I hear from parents whose child:
- Still doesn’t have a named school.
- Has been refused by multiple schools.
- Is waiting for an EHCP to be finalised.
- Has an appeal or Tribunal coming up.
- Has been told there simply isn’t a suitable place available.
The emotional toll on families is enormous.
Children become anxious.
Parents lie awake wondering what’s going to happen.
And September gets closer.
If Your Child Has an EHCP
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it’s important to remember this:
Your local authority has a legal duty to secure the educational provision specified in your child’s EHCP.
If your child has no school place, that doesn’t mean this duty simply disappears.
The local authority still needs to consider how your child’s educational needs will be met while a suitable placement is being found.
Keep Everything in Writing
If your child still has no placement, now is the time to communicate in writing.
Ask your local authority:
- What educational provision is being arranged from September?
- What interim support will be available?
- What steps are being taken to secure a suitable placement?
- When do they expect this to be resolved?
Keeping a written record is important if delays continue.
Don’t Assume They Already Know
Many parents assume:
“They know my child doesn’t have a school.”
“They’ll contact me.”
“They’re sorting it.”
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
If you haven’t received clear information, don’t be afraid to ask.
Your Child Is Still Entitled to an Education
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if there isn’t a school place available, families simply have to wait.
Children remain entitled to an education.
What that looks like will depend on the individual circumstances, but your local authority should be considering how your child’s educational needs can be met while longer-term arrangements are being made.
This Isn’t Your Fault
One of the hardest parts of this process is the guilt many parents carry.
They worry they’ve done something wrong.
That they should have fought harder.
That they’ve somehow failed their child.
You haven’t.
The lack of suitable school places is a systemic issue affecting families across the country.
What You Can Do Today
If your child still has no school place:
✅ Contact your local authority for an update.
✅ Ask what educational provision will be in place from September.
✅ Keep all communication in writing.
✅ Keep copies of every email and letter.
✅ Continue to advocate for your child calmly and consistently.
The Bigger Picture
No parent should spend the summer wondering whether their child will have an education in September.
Yet for many SEND families, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Every child deserves more than a place on a waiting list.
Every child deserves an education that is suitable, safe and capable of meeting their individual needs.
AskEllie Can Help
If you’re struggling because your child still has no school place, you’re not alone.
At AskEllie, we help families understand their rights, navigate EHCP issues and communicate more confidently with local authorities and schools.
Sometimes, knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference.
If your child still has no school place for September, take one step today.
Ask the question.
Keep it in writing.
And remember—you are advocating for something your child is entitled to, not asking for a favour.
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