Primary school

In the academic year in which your child turns 5, parents must apply for a place at a primary school. You do this through your local council’s application process, even if you are applying for a school outside your area.

Adopted children can often get priority access to schools to choose a school that best suits the child’s needs. We advise you to visit some local schools and talk to other parents to understand if the school feels like a good “fit” for your child. You can ask questions such as:

• Do you have experience with other adopted children?

• What is your pastoral support like?

• How can you support with transitions?

School can be a challenging time for many children and adopted children often find it particularly difficult. It’s important to explain your child’s circumstances and make the education provider aware that your child is adopted so they can be understanding to any behaviours. Many adopted children find school difficult and struggle to concentrate at school, often due to the trauma they experienced at critical times in their earlier life. New environments may make adopted children feel threatened and unsafe which can disrupt their learning, but there are many ways schools and parents can support children to thrive.

Adoption Counts are here to support you, alongside your virtual school and any special educational needs support locally (see SEND section of this website).

Schools can access additional funding called Pupil Premium Plus. Speak to your child’s school about how this is spent to support your child’s education. PAC-UK have also produced a Pupil Premium Plus Guide for schools and families on effective use of the Pupil Premium Plus. Read more here.