Admissions & EHCP | The Belsteads School Essex

Understanding Our Admissions Process

The Belsteads School is an independent special school approved by the Secretary of State to admit pupils for whom Statements / Education Health Care Plans are maintained under Section 324 of the Education Act 1996. The current approval for the school is for 55 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties, Moderate Learning Difficulties, ASD and associated behavioural difficulties, aged 10 – 16 years.

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Admission Criteria

Referrals for admission to The Belsteads School will arise from a pupil’s EHCP or Annual Review recommendations agreed by the LA. All admissions take account of the need to provide education appropriate to age, ability, aptitude and additional educational needs (AEN). Pupils can be admitted at any time of year.

Where a request for admission is received, and there is a place available within the school, the following criteria will be applied in order of priority in deciding whether a place is able to be offered:

The pupil falls within the terms of the current approval for the school and presents with the aforementioned profile.
The pupil has an EHCP which specifies that the pupil has SEMH/ ASD / MLD.
There is room within the appropriate year group.
Adding another pupil to the group will not adversely affect the provision of efficient education for the pupils with whom he / she would be educated or the efficient use of resources.
Offering the pupil, a place will maintain a positive balance between the types of AEN within the group and school.
There is evidence from professionals that the pupil will benefit from access to a highly personalised programme within a special school.
Pupil, parent / carer and, where appropriate, social worker express commitment to the placement.

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Pupils who may be suitably placed at The Belsteads School are likely to have a diagnosis of SEMH, ASD and/or MLD, which may be accompanied by conditions such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ODD or OCD.

Their needs may include difficulties with:

Learning and academic progress
Speech, language and communication
Social communication and interaction
Social, emotional and mental health
Attention, concentration and impulsivity
Independence and everyday skills
Low self-esteem and emotional vulnerability
Behaviours that can significantly impact their own learning or that of others
Anxiety, stress or disengagement from education, sometimes resulting in prolonged absence

Our small, supportive environment allows us to provide a structured and personalised approach, designed around each pupil’s individual needs, strengths and circumstances.

Our Admission Process

Admissions to The Belsteads School are overseen by our Senior Leadership Team, with every referral considered carefully and objectively. Once a referral is received, our admissions process begins to determine whether The Belsteads School can provide a suitable placement.

Our Admissions Policy is available on our website and from the school office. For further information, please contact Erica Barnett, Headteacher, or Peter Adams, Proprietor.

Our Admissions Policy has been developed with regard to relevant legislation, including the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2019, Equality Act 2010 and Education Act 2011.

View Admissions Policy

Verbal or written enquiries should be made to the Headteacher. Detailed information concerning the pupil should accompany any referral. Referral information received Consideration of documentation by Senior Leadership Team In determining the suitability of the referral, consideration will be given to the educational, health and social history and whether the profile of the pupil is in keeping with the provision we are able to provide. If applicable, an observation visit will take place at the pupil’s current educational provision.

The introductory visit will include: A tour of the school Introduction to key staff discussion with a member of the SL T concerning such issues as curriculum, school expectations in respect of learning and behaviour, key policies including positive handling If, following the introductory visit, all concerned agree that the pupil’s needs can potentially be met, a mutually convenient date will be arranged for the pupil to spend a session in the school. If appropriate, parents will be asked to remain on site during this session.

Following attendance at the school, and dialogue with the pupil and parents / carers, representatives from other agencies e.g. social care, a final decision by senior leadership will be made, and the referring agency informed accordingly. Confirmation of funding including any additional resources and transport will be sought from the LA. Once the offer of a place has been accepted by the referring agency, The Belsteads School will arrange a pre-placement planning meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to finalise admission arrangements, clarify roles and responsibilities and to complete the admission pack. All new pupils will start on a transitional timetable to be agreed at the pre-planning meeting. No pupil will start immediately, on a full-time timetable, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The pupil’s name will be entered in the Admissions Register on the agreed admission date. Where a place is not offered Letter of confirmation to referring agency outlining reasons in situations where it is agreed that the needs of the pupil cannot be met within The Belsteads School, a letter outlining reasons will be forwarded to the referring agency.

Let’s Talk About Your Child’s Needs

Every child is unique, and we’re here to help you find the right support. If you’d like to learn more about our therapeutic provision or discuss your child’s individual needs, we’d love to hear from you. Complete the form below, and a member of our friendly team will be in touch to answer your questions and discuss how The Belsteads School may be able to support your family.