Admissions Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the criteria and processes for admission to our Alternative Provision (AP). It ensures that referrals are handled consistently, transparently and in line with statutory guidance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all pupils and young people aged 3–25 who are referred for tuition or education support, including those educated at home, on reduced timetables or receiving EOTAS packages.

3. Referral Pathways

We accept referrals from:

• Local Authorities

• Mainstream and specialist schools

• Social workers and other safeguarding professionals

• Parents/carers (including private referrals, EHCP and EOTAS cases)

Referrals may be for full programmes, individual subjects, reintegration support, or short-term intervention.

4. Age Range

We admit pupils aged 3 to 25.

5. Geographic Coverage

Provision is available across:

• South East England (in-person)

• All of England (in-person where feasible, or remotely)

6. Needs We Support

We accept pupils with a wide range of needs, including but not limited to:

• Autism, ADHD and neurodiversity

• School refusal, anxiety, depression

• SEMH needs

• Learning difficulties

• Medical needs requiring flexible education

• Young carers

• Pupils requiring reduced or bespoke timetables

Needs Not Accepted

We do not accept pupils whose needs include:

• High-risk violent behaviour

• Active substance misuse

• Needs requiring frequent or severe physical intervention

  These pupils will be signposted to more suitable specialist settings.

7. Session Structure

• Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes.

• Provision is predominantly 1:1.

• Small-group sessions may be offered where appropriate and safe.

• No fixed maximum caseload; capacity is managed internally to maintain safe ratios and educational quality.

8. Information Required for Admission

Before a pupil can be admitted, we require:

• Completed Referral Form

• Parental/carer consent

• EHCP (where applicable)

• Risk assessment from the referring body

• Any safeguarding, medical or access information relevant to safe delivery

Behaviour logs are optional and only required if requested by the parent or relevant professional.

9. Decision-Making and Oversight

• All referrals are assessed by the Admissions Senior Tutor.

• High-risk or complex cases require sign-off from the Director.

• A written outcome (accept / further information required / reject) is provided.

10. Timelines

• Standard referral decision: within 2–3 weeks.

• Induction and first sessions normally commence within a similar timeframe once documentation is complete.

11. Induction Process

All new pupils follow a structured induction:

1. Parent/carer consultation

2. Pupil assessment

3. Creation of personalised timetable and learning plan

4. Internal risk assessment

5. Allocation of employed tutor(s)

6. Confirmation of start date

12. Monitoring and Review

• Engagement, attendance and progress are reviewed half-termly through MDT meetings with parents and professionals.

• Provision is adjusted as needed to support reintegration, progression or therapeutic goals.

13. Attendance and Withdrawal

A pupil may be withdrawn where:

• Attendance falls below 30–40% without valid reason

• There is persistent or sustained non-engagement

• Sessions are cancelled for a full term

• Safety or capacity issues arise that cannot be mitigated

Where possible, withdrawal is planned collaboratively with the referring party.

14. Appeals

If a referral is declined:

• An appeal may be made directly to the Director

• Additional information may be submitted for reconsideration

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if statutory guidance changes.