Choice Advice is a service for all parents and carers, and not just those of children with special educational needs.

Choice Advice offers impartial information and support on schools' admissions and the transition process.

Information can be provided about all schools in your area however it is families who decide the best choice to make for their child's requirements. The Choice Advice Service cannot guarantee or offer a place at a specific school.

If you need any further help or information on Choice Advice please contact:

The Choice Advice Service
Somerset Parent Partnership
Children and Young People's Directorate
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY

Email: choiceadvice@somerset.gov.uk
Telephone: 01823 356 903

Our Aim

The Choice Advice Service aims to support all families with their school choices. This may include a Choice Advisor attending appeal hearings alongside parents and carers. However at very busy times it may not always be possible for the Choice Advice Service to speak individually with all families or attend appeal hearings.  

• Help on filling out application forms
• Information about individual schools including school prospectus, online profiles and special facilities available
• Oversubscription criteria
• Special needs policy and provision
• Transport information
• Support through the admissions process, including appeals and tribunals
• Advice via email, telephone or face to face.

A Choice Adviser will actively listen to parents' and carers' concerns using appropriate and effective resources to help smooth the transition process whenever possible.

Top tips for choosing schools

• Plan ahead
• Find out all you can about the schools you are interested in
• Make a list of questions
• Visit the schools and talk to the headteacher
• Decide which school best suits your child
• Make your three preferences for school choice
• Apply online and on time.