Sadly yes in my LA. The Special school will have said no / had no places. The best way to address this is through parent appeal as it’s re placement, they skip mediation and go straight to SEND tribunal. 9/10 are won by parents!
Support them.with signposting to IAS and Ipsea. I help parents do this *all the time* as children not suitable my my ers are placed here and parents realise how much better provision is in a specialist setting for severe & complex needs eventually.