Admissions Criteria
All pupils will have a diagnosis of autism. Referrals can be accepted for children and Young People who are awaiting
diagnosis however a formal diagnosis may be required.
All pupils will have moderate to severe learning difficulties (as specified in their Education Health & Care Plan).
Pupils may also have associated conditions such as ADHD, epilepsy, OCD and/or other health or additional needs such as
but not limited to challenging behaviour which may be met dependent on Prior's Court School's ability to provide the
specialist support or specific environments required.
The number of pupils requiring a staffing level of 2:1 or 1:1 at night is currently limited and at capacity. Staffing levels are
reviewed at the 3-month review of placement meeting which is held as part of our standard procedures and good
practice. Staffing is further reviewed on an annual basis.
An appropriate age peer group and academic and social compatibility with the group is also taken into consideration
and an impact risk assessment undertaken. Where available places cannot be created in the appropriate peer group this
may mean that a place cannot be offered.
The number of pupils in each year group is limited in order to minimise the impact of graduation on transition into and
out of the School.
A placement may not be offered if parents/carers are not in agreement with the School's autism methodologies and
approach as outlined during visits and documents such as the prospectus and statement of purpose. Parents are
expected to sign a home/school agreement upon commencement of placement.
The journey time will be taken into consideration when making a day placement with a total travel time of 75 minutes
being the maximum.
Prior's Court is committed to equality of opportunities for students and aims to meet the needs of all by taking into
account differences in gender, ethnicity, cultural, social and religious backgrounds, as well as ability, needs and learning
styles. All reasonable actions and adjustments will be taken to meet these needs however there may be occasions when
this is not possible. For instance, not all areas are wheelchair accessible. Although the School has been carefully designed
to provide a safe environment it may not be sufficiently secure for young people with significant absconding behaviours.
Consideration may need to be given to young people whose physical vulnerability may put them at risk.
Decisions by the Admissions Panel will be guided by the SEN Code of Practice as to whether the School is suitable for the child's
age, ability, aptitude or his/her special educational needs, whether the placement would be compatible with the efficient education
of other children with whom the child would be educated and whether the placement would be compatible with the efficient use of
resources.
Oversubscription Criteria
When capacity is reached there is no flexibility to accommodate any oversubscription. Local authorities and parents/carers are able
to request that Prior's Court advise of any change to the availability of places.
Naming Prior's Court in an Education, Health & Care Plan
Prior's Court School is on the DfE approved list of independent special schools that can be named by parents and local authorities
on Statements of Special Educational Needs and Education Health and Care Plans. Before naming a special school, Local Authorities
must consult the School who will consider whether the Young Person meets the school's admissions criteria.
Tribunals
The number of SEN and Disability Tribunal cases undertaken by the School is limited. The decision to accept a tribunal is undertaken
by the CEO and Executive who take responsibility for ensuring that the Trustees are kept informed.
ADMISSIONS - PRIORS COURT SCHOOL
Version 1 Review Date: 30 Sep 2024