Churchward School Admissions

 Churchward School has a robust admissions process whereby we work closely with families and the local authority in assessing the suitability of placement and place planning. 

The following criteria will be used to determine if a student is to be referred to this special school and the students must meet all these criteria.  Each student must:

• have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP);
• have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties (SCID) as their primary need;
• be aged from 11-19 years old;
• have needs that cannot be met by a full-time placement in a mainstream school;
• be placed after full consultation with parents.

The Local Authority will consider the request through the annual review process and you will be asked to confirm your preference for this provision. The Local Authority will consider your preference for Churchward School and may discuss it with you before allocating a place. The allocation will also be dependent on whether we can meet your child’s special educational needs. You will be formally notified of your child’s place at Churchward School by the Local Authority. Students entering the school will have come through the SENRAP admission pathway, directly from SENAT or through direct referral from the Complex Needs Resource Panel.

Churchward School’s Designation

Churchward School is for students aged 11 – 19 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties (SCID) as their primary need. Most students will have a range of complex needs and additional challenges with some also have a learning difficulty.  Such students are likely to experience significant, complex, persistent and enduring difficulties.  Their range of needs may also be multi-layered and interconnected, combining mental health, anxiety, attachment, relationships, behavioural, physical, medical, sensory, and communication features.  Our tailored learning programmes support students working towards effectively accessing and engaging with learning; ultimately achieving relevant and meaningful accreditation and skills and achieving their potential.  Our curriculum also has a strong emphasis on skills for life – supporting our students to develop independence and feel valued and supported by their local community, as well as to have the ability to contribute economically and socially to their locality.

Transitions

Transitions are about moving on to the next stage of life and gaining confidence. It is about being able to settle well into new routines, new environments and getting to know new people. At Churchward School we place a high value on transitions and commit to visiting new students in their current schools and arranging orientation visits to the Free School to enable them to become familiar with the staff, routines and what their education package will look like during this time.   The staff will support students to move smoothly into the school community and continue to provide support and guidance during their time at Churchward School.  From Year 11 onwards each student is allocated a transition worker from the local authority, who will support them in their transition to adulthood at 18. When students are preparing to move on from Churchward School, staff will help them and their families investigate different options such as a return to a mainstream provider or a different school, college, work, living in the community and/or leisure and social opportunities.

Equality and diversity

At Churchward School we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all members of the school community – students, staff, governors, parents and community members. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity where everyone, irrespective of their race, ethnic or national origin or their citizenship, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious belief or disability feels welcome, valued and able to participate fully in school life.