Moving school is something most people do.
Changes usually happen at two main times - moving from primary to secondary school and then after year 11. 

Other reasons for changing school could be moving to a different area, making your current school too far to travel to. Or perhaps, things aren’t working out for you at your current school, and you feel things may be better at another school.

If you have a medical or mental health condition, there may be things you need to think about when you’re looking for another school or college. Below you’ll find tips on what to look for and who can help you during this important time.

If you can, talk to your parents or carers about the things you think school should know about your medical needs. Tell them anything that worries you about moving school. They may be able to reassure you or help you ask the school the right question.

Look at school websites. School policies on special educational needs and disability (SEND), attendance and school uniform should be on the website. If you have questions after reading them, you can contact the school.

If you have an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) your current school must arrange a review every year. This is to help you and the school think about what support you need at your next school or college. If a review isn’t planned, you or your parents/carers can ask the school for a meeting.

School open days will help you find out what different schools are like. They usually happen in September. However, if you need to visit schools at other times of the year you can contact the school to arrange a visit.

Travel time to school or college can make a difference if you have a specific treatment regime in the morning. Will you make it in time for the school bus? If not, can you still get to school on time? Can you arrange to arrive later and miss registration/assembly? All these things are worth talking about when you’re looking at schools and colleges.

The SENDCO will be a key person at your new school or college. They will help organise any other support you might need. They will also help write your individual healthcare plan (IHP).

Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP). This is an important document for you and the school! It will detail your needs and how you should be supported. It also gives information on what to do in an emergency and how you use and store any medication you might need in school. It needs to be up to date and accurate.

Reasonable adjustments are those things that schools can do to make school accessible for all students. Reasonable adjustments are personal to you. They are the things that make it possible for you to get the best out of school.

How schools can help you manage your medical needs:  

• Provide a lift pass so you do not have to use the stairs. 
• Allow you to leave class 5 mins early so you have enough time to get to your next class. 
• Allow you to adjust your school uniform for medical reasons.  
• Provide a toilet pass so you do not have to ask each time.  
• Make it possible for you to be inside if it is too cold outside.  
• Make some changes to your timetable for specific reasons, such as returning to school after a hospital stay or a long absence.  
• Name a person who you feel comfortable going to if you have any worries or need specific help or support.  

These are just a few examples.
You’re the expert on your medical needs, so it’s important you get a chance to say what you think will be helpful to you getting the best out of school.  

• Does the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co Ordinator) or others in the school have experience of your medical condition? Do they understand how it might affect you? If not, you and your parents may need to explain and direct them to reliable and up to date information.  
• Try to arrange a visit before you start so you can see the layout of the building and find out where the medical room, toilets and other named spaces you might need to use. Check out the busy spots and times of the day, particularly if you have mobility needs or find crowded spaces challenging.  
• Arrange to meet the SENCO to write an IHP and a plan for any hospital stays that may be planned or come up.  
• Arrange to meet the school, the school nurse or medical assistant to talk about treatment regimens/procedures you may need to carry out at school. Discuss the school policy for carrying and or storing medication.