Admissions

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Cleaswell Hill School is a specialist provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Admissions are managed through Northumberland County Council and are made in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.

 

Who Can Attend Cleaswell Hill School?

Pupils attending Cleaswell Hill School will normally have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or be undergoing statutory assessment where a specialist placement is being considered. The EHCP identifies a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support required to meet those needs, and the outcomes that they are working towards.

The Local Authority coordinates the EHCP process and gathers advice from education, health and social care professionals. Children, young people and their parents/carers are involved throughout the assessment and review process to ensure that their views and aspirations are considered.

 

Requesting a Place at Cleaswell Hill School

Parents and carers have the right to express a preference for Cleaswell Hill School when an EHCP is being issued or reviewed. If you feel that Cleaswell Hill School may be the right setting for your child, you should discuss this with your SEND Case Officer at Northumberland County Council.

When a parental preference for Cleaswell Hill School is expressed, the Local Authority will formally consult with the school. Relevant documentation, including the EHCP and supporting professional reports, will be shared so that the school can consider whether it is able to meet the child’s identified needs.

The school will provide its response directly to the Local Authority. The Local Authority will then consider this alongside all available evidence before making a decision about the most appropriate placement for the child or young person.

 

How Placement Decisions Are Made

While the Local Authority must take parental preference into account, it is also required to consider whether the requested placement is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs.

As part of the consultation process, the Local Authority may identify an alternative educational setting if it believes that another school would:

  • Better meet the child or young person’s identified needs;

  • Support the achievement of outcomes identified within the EHCP;

  • Be compatible with the efficient education of other pupils; and/or

  • Represent a more efficient use of Local Authority resources.

This means that although parents and carers may request Cleaswell Hill School as their preferred setting, the Local Authority may conclude that a different school is more appropriate. Equally, where Cleaswell Hill School is identified as the most suitable provision, the Local Authority may propose a placement here even where it was not originally named as a parental preference.

The final decision regarding placement rests with the Local Authority.

 

When a Place Is Offered

If Cleaswell Hill School is named in Section I of a child’s EHCP, the school is required to admit the pupil.

Once a placement has been agreed, the school will work closely with the child, family, previous setting and professionals involved to ensure a smooth transition into school.

 

Visiting the School

We welcome enquiries from parents and carers who are considering whether Cleaswell Hill School may be suitable for their child. Visits provide an opportunity to see the school, meet staff and learn more about our specialist provision.

To arrange a visit, please contact the school office.

 

Admissions Process at a Glance

  1. Parents/carers discuss specialist provision with their SEND Case Officer.

  2. A preference for Cleaswell Hill School may be expressed as part of the EHCP process.

  3. The Local Authority consults with Cleaswell Hill School and any other settings being considered.

  4. The school reviews the information provided and responds to the Local Authority.

  5. The Local Authority considers parental preference, professional advice, the child’s needs and the suitability of available placements.

  6. The Local Authority makes the final decision and informs parents/carers.

  7. If Cleaswell Hill School is named in the EHCP, the pupil is admitted and transition arrangements begin.

For further information about admissions & appeals, visit the Northumberland County Council website using this link.