provision 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 (EHC) 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.
Admissions process
An initial screening of papers is undertaken by lead practitioners who then feedback to the Admissions Panel to establish
in broad terms whether the Young Adult would be suitable to assess.
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 placing 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 Young Adult Provision would be able to meet the Young Person's
needs, provide an appropriate peer group and enable 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 a letter of suitability is sent to
the Local Authority with a clear deadline for response.
Due to high levels of interest more letters of suitability than available places may be sent. Potential placements can only
be taken back to our admissions panel for final discussion on receipt of written confirmation of Local Authorities'
intention to place at Prior's Court and agreed funding in place.
The admissions panel will consider all applications of suitable placements and then undertake the final phase of
admission, which is to undertake a comprehensive compatibility and impact assessment of peer groupings and a formal
offer of placement including contract will be issued (usually by mid-March to enable to meet the EHC plan deadline of
31/3).
Admissions criteria
Priority will be given to Prior's Court School pupils who meet the admissions criteria.
All young adults will have a diagnosis of autism. Referrals can be accepted for young people who are awaiting diagnosis
however a formal diagnosis may be required.
All young adults will have moderate to severe learning difficulties (as specified in their EHC Plan).
Young Adults 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's ability to provide the
specialist support or specific environments required.
It is not an admission requirement for a young person to have an EHC Plan. However, young people with EHC Plans and
welcomed and have the statutory requirements meet as well as their care and wellbeing.
Young adults are likely to require 1:1 staffing throughout the waking day although some young adults may require a
flexible level of support to meet their assessed needs. The number of young adults requiring a staffing level of 2:1 will be
limited. Staffing levels are reviewed at the 3 month review of placement meeting which is held as part of our standard
procedures and good practice. For those young people who have and EHC Plan; staffing will also we reviewed annually
via the annual review process.
ADMISSIONS - PRIORS COURT YOUNG ADULT PROVISION
Version 1 Review Date: 30 Sep 2024