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Care planning
22. Criteria for the admission of children to the home.
Admissions criteria
Prior's Court School is able to make provision for young people of either sex from 5
to 19 years of age with an autism diagnosis, moderate to severe learning
difficulties and complex needs. Young people may also have associated
conditions such as ADHD, epilepsy, OCD and/or other health or additional needs
which may be met dependent on Prior's Court School's ability to provide the
specialist support or specific environment required.
The number in each year group is limited. Academic and social compatibility with
the peer group will also be taken into consideration. Although Prior's Court School
has been carefully designed to provide a safe environment it may not be
sufficiently secure for young people with significant absconding behaviours or for
young people whose physical vulnerability may put them at risk.
Before admission can be confirmed, Prior's Court School must be able to meet the
needs of the young person as detailed in their Education Health and Care Plan or
assessed needs.
Admissions process
Prior's Court School welcomes parents, carers/guardians and professionals with
frequent open mornings and individual visits to enable families, carers and local
authority professionals to consider whether Prior's Court School might be suitable
for the young person.
An initial screening of statutory reports is undertaken by the Admissions Manager
following completion of an admissions questionnaire and feedback to the
Practitioner Panel to establish suitability to assess the young person. With the
support of the local authority, the young person and their parents/carers are
invited to an on-site assessment undertaken by senior lead practitioners with
significant experience and members of the multi-disciplinary team where
appropriate. 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 Practitioner Panel to determine whether Prior's
Court School would be able to meet the young person's needs, provide a
compatible peer group, appropriate environment, enable progress, the impact of
admission on the young person and existing young people at Prior's Court, and if
an appropriate placement is available. Decisions by the Practitioner Panel are
guided by Prior's Court School's Admissions Policy and the SEN Code of Practice.