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Referrals and admissions

A young person must meet our admissions criteria in order to gain a place at Meadow's School. These include:

  • the young person being aged between 11 and 19 years old on the date of admission, although induction placements for Year 6 pupils may be arranged
  • the young person having a statement of Special Educational Needs or being in the process of application with completion due shortly
  • parents or the responsible authority being able to guarantee regular home leave.

For full details please download our admissions criteria (PDF, 28KB).

Our referrals process consists of three stages, which are summarised below. For full details please download a document detailing our full referrals process (PDF, 48KB).

Referrals process

Stage 1 - consideration of referral papers

Upon arrival a behaviour checklist and baseline assessment report on levels of attainment in English and Mathematics are completed. This information is used during the initial period of assessment prior to confirmation of placement.

The school receives the prospective pupil's referral papers and considers the application. If a decision is made not to progress with the referral then the referral agency will be informed in writing and, whenever possible, an alternative will be suggested.

Stage 2 - the child visits the school

A school visit is arranged to meet the young person, parents/carers and social worker/support worker where appropriate. After the meeting the young person will be informed that they must contact the school to express a wish to attend Meadows.

The local authority will be informed in writing of the outcome of the visit, and whether a placement has been offered or declined.

Stage 3 - a placement is offered

Any special arrangements and an admission date will be agreed with the local authority. If no place is currently available, placement on a waiting list will be offered.

The new pupil will have an induction meeting. The six week assessment period will commence following this meeting.

During the first three weeks of the assessment period a behaviour profile is completed by the class teacher and Key Stage Manager (and the residential unit if appropriate). When the three week report is completed any concerns regarding the appropriateness of the placement will be highlighted to the parent/carer and referring authority.

During the assessment period, if placement is evidently unsuitable, the place will be terminated with written reports forwarded to the referring authority as soon as is practicable.

If the assessment period is successful, the Parent/Carer and referring authority will be advised of the Placement Panel Meeting.