The team will review any consultation received from the Local Authority - normally consisting of an anonymised EHCP.

If the team believe The Place Independent School have the potential to offer school placement then a request to complete a placement suitability assessment will be made to the Local Authority.

If the team do not believe The Place Independent School is suitable then a clear rationale shall be communicated with the Local Authority.

This stage to be completed within 10 working days of initial consultation (during term time)

Following assessment approval from the LA, the assessment will take place in the most thorough and appropriate way for each individual child and their family. The family should be communicated with throughout to make sure they are kept up to date with what is being discussed and considered.

The Place Independent School assessment staff to view documentation and make arrangements. Assessments may include (in discussion with child, parents/carers and LA):

• A visit to The Place Independent School (for parents/carers and child if appropriate)

• A visit to the existing home/provision/school/residence

• A request for further paperwork and/or information

• Reviewing any further paperwork received

• Assessment must include meeting/contacting the child and a professional who has worked with them previously

Assessment lead to write up an assessment report and determine recommendations - can The Place Independent School offer a placement?

• No – why not?

• Yes – what provision needs to be in place and when could it start?

Assessment lead to inform parents/carer and LA of recommendations and wait for LA decision on placement offer

Stage 2 to be completed within 10 school days of approval unless discussed otherwise

Assessments may also take place without LA approval but in agreement with parents/carers if part of an appeal process – the Local Authority should be informed if this is the case.

Following confirmation of placement from LA, Assessment Lead should inform parents/carers of LA decision on placement and introduce the new hub teacher.

A bespoke transition package will be arranged in agreement with parents/carers and begin as soon as appropriate

Stage 3 should take place over a minimum of 1 half term before the full time provision can begin. Start dates will vary dependent on term times, individual cases and The Place Independent School capacity.

*The above process can be slightly different dependent on the actions of the individual Local Authority.

Parents or carers are welcome to enquire about provision at The Place Independent School at any time during the academic year by emailing secretary@theplaceindependentschool.co.uk. Please note that there may be a delay in response during the school holidays.

Before any visit to The Place Independent School is arranged parents/carers will be asked to share a copy of the child’s EHCP or another appropriate document (school advice, EP report) in order to assess potential for suitability and the appropriateness of a school visit.

Transition Policy