Policy Statement
Prior's Court School is registered for Young People from 5 years to 20 years with autism and learning disabilities. It operates as an
independent co-educational residential special school which, as it provides accommodation for a number of Young People receiving
up to 52 weeks placements, is therefore registered as a children's home on the following premises:
Prior's Court School
Hermitage
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9NU
The School is owned and managed by the Prior's Court Foundation, a non-profit making charity. It is a school approved by the
Secretary of State for Education under section 41 Children and Families Act 2014 allowing it to be named in a young person's
Education, Health, and Care Plan.
Pupil places may be for day, 38 Week (weekly or termly), 44 Week (weekly or termly) or 52 weeks.
Prior's Court withdrew from the Section 41 approved schools list in December 2020.
The purpose of this admissions policy is to provide clarity with regard to the criteria for admissions for local authorities,
parents/carers/guardians and Prior's Court's Admissions Panel and to ensure that the process and decisions are fair and consistent.
This policy will outline the criteria for admissions, the admissions process and the system for appeal. It has been written with
reference to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and approved by the trustees and will be reviewed annually. It is
available on the website or from Prior's Court's reception.
Admissions Process
Prior's Court School welcomes parents, carers/guardians and professionals when vacancies are available to visit by appointment to
enable families, carers and local authorities to consider whether the school might be suitable for the young person. We encourage
parents/carers to visit a range of provisions in order to get a feel for the type of provision which may be suitable and to help in the
decision-making process. We are also able to review papers such as Education Health & Care Plans, Annual Review and other
documents at this early stage to give an early indication of whether Prior's Court might be a suitable option to consider.
An initial screening of papers is undertaken by lead practitioners who then feedback to the Admissions Panel to establish
potential suitability for Prior's Court School.
An initial pre-assessment meeting with parents, placing authority and current provider will take place to establish
suitability for full assessment.
With the support of the local authority, the Young Person and their parents/carers are invited to an onsite assessment
undertaken by senior lead practitioners with significant experience and members of the multi-disciplinary team. A second
assessment in the current provision or young person's home is undertaken if necessary.
The assessment, together with further information from parents/carers and professionals, is considered by the
Admissions Panel to determine whether Prior's Court School would be able to meet the young person's needs, provide
an appropriate peer group and enable the young person to progress.
Failure to disclose information during the assessment process may affect the validity of the assessment and lead to the
process being terminated.
A recommendation from the Admissions Panel is then made to the CEO and Executive team who confirm that the
admissions criteria have been met, that a place is available and that staffing in place before an offer of placement may be
made.
ADMISSIONS - PRIORS COURT SCHOOL
Version 1 Review Date: 30 Sep 2024