We welcome referrals to schools from either local authorities or from individual schools and academies. Referrals are accepted for individual places, block contracts or frameworks.
Continuity of education is important for every young person, to ensure inclusion and engagement. Our turnaround time from a referral to an include school being received to the start of provision for the learner concerned is only six days.
Due to the flexible nature of our services, individual learners can be integrated into a school at any point during the academic year.
Processes are simple, effective and always designed to meet the individual needs or learners and ensure the confidence of commissioners in meeting contractual requirements.
Referral process
Our referral process involves assessment and planning, enabling staff to develop a programme and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which:
- meets the specific needs of the young person
- delivers a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the include framework for Key Stages 1 to 4 (5 to 16-year-olds).
Staff work closely with families throughout the referral process to encourage engagement and support sustainable progress for the learner.
Following a request for a placement for a permanently excluded young person, staff will:
- liaise with the key referrer to discuss the placement and support requirements of the learner
- set a clear timetable of data gathering from schools, parents and agencies
- ask the referrer to submit a completed Referral Form
- arrange a home visit with parents/carers and the young person to explain the educational offer, discuss expectations and responsibilities, and sign a pupil, parent/carer and school agreement
- produce a risk assessment based on the completed Referral Form and the home visit
- arrange an introductory visit to the school for the young person and their family
- agree an integration timetable with the young person, family and key referrer.