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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 autism and moderate to severe learning difficulties.
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. The number of
day pupils is limited and the journey time for day pupils limited.
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 papers is undertaken by lead practitioners who then
feedback to the Admissions 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. 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 progress. Decisions by the Admissions Panel
are guided by Prior's Court School's Admissions Policy and the SEN Code of
Practice. The Admissions Panel confirm that the admissions criteria have been
met and that a place is available before an offer of placement may be made.