Make a referral

The referral process (school and access places)

Initial contact is through the Principal or Deputy Head. They will provide information about places available and programmes that might suit the young person. They will send an initial enquiry form and a prospectus.

Initial contact can come from any agency including:

• LA SEN/Additional Needs or exclusions teams
• Virtual school teams
• Social Workers
• Residential Home Managers
• Schools seeking alternative/vocational education programmes.

The referring agency should return the form, together with detailed information about the young person including:

• Most recent education report
• IEP and/or IBP
• Any special educational needs information, including statement and appendices where appropriate
• Any CAMHS information or psychological assessment.

For children in public care we would need the Personal Education Plan. Places are available for:

• Cheadle Key Stage 2, 3 and 4
• The Rainbow Nurture Group Key Stage 2 and 3
• Access Team 1:1 Key Stage 2, 3 and 4
• Key Stage 3 and 4 emergency placements for children in public care (maximum stay = 12 months).

Referral information

If a care placement is also required, a Together Trust Principal Manager will be involved in the process at this stage.

Once we have seen the referral papers we will tell the referring agency if we have the space and how we propose to work with the young person, plus the fee. If this is accepted and we have confirmation of funding we will:

• Arrange an initial visit
• Agree a transition and induction programme
• Arrange an admission meeting
• Admit the pupil on to the school roll
• Begin the programme and baseline assessment
• Hold an initial review after six weeks.

We hold admission meetings to make sure that everyone understands the outcomes we want to achieve and how CYCES keeps children and staff safe. Unless pupils feel safe, effective learning does not take place.

We will expect a written acceptance of the place and for the authority to sign the National Education Contract.

Referrals may come through two routes:

1. Local authority education route

This is mainly for children and young people living at home or in foster care needing a day placement that:

• Have a statement of special needs
• Have been permanently excluded
• Have not attended school for some time.

The initial contact is usually through an Education Officer or Educational Psychologist.

2. Children’s home and social care route for those children in public care who:

• Cannot access maintained provision at this time
• Are in an emergency place.

Referrals are accepted from any children’s home within reasonable travelling distance of CYCES.

Alternatively Social Services can contact CYCES directly on 0161 283 4832.