The Broads Specialist Educational Unit (SEU)

Admissions Policy

Overview

The Broads Specialist Educational Unit (SEU) at Barnby and North Cove Primary School provides 20 full-time places for Key Stage 2 pupils whose primary special educational need is Cognition and Learning.

Pupils admitted to the Unit remain on the roll of Barnby and North Cove Primary School and are full members of the school community. The Headteacher and Governing Body are responsible for their education, wellbeing and progress.

Where appropriate, pupils will access mainstream learning and social opportunities. Inclusion arrangements will be planned according to individual needs and reviewed regularly.

Staffing and Support

Each SEU class is staffed by:

· One qualified teacher

· Two teaching assistants

The Unit operates a shared-support model and does not provide routine 1:1 adult support. Support is deployed flexibly according to pupil need. Pupils admitted to the Unit should be able to access learning within the Unit's staffing structure, with reasonable adjustments made where appropriate.

Admission Criteria

Admission will be considered where:

1. EHCP

The pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which identifies Cognition and Learning as the primary need in Section B.

2. Cognition and Learning Need

Evidence indicates significant Cognition and Learning difficulties, including one or more of the following:

· Attainment significantly below age-related expectations (typically 3–5 years below).

· Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia.

· Difficulties acquiring, retaining and applying learning.

· Associated communication or mobility needs that are secondary to the primary cognition and learning need.

3. SEMH

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs must not be the primary presenting need. Any behavioural, emotional or social difficulties should be secondary to the pupil's learning needs and must not significantly prevent access to learning.

4. Travel

In line with Suffolk's locality-based approach, journey times should ideally be no more than 30 minutes, although individual circumstances and DfE guidance will be considered.

5. Suitability of Placement

The Unit is unlikely to be suitable for pupils who:

· Have severe and complex needs beyond the designation of the provision.

· Require a more specialist level of support than the Unit can provide.

· Present a significant ongoing risk to themselves or others.

· Have SEMH needs as their primary area of need.

· Have not routinely accessed mainstream education.

Admissions Process

Places are commissioned through Suffolk County Council's Specialist Admissions Panel. Applications are usually considered through the EHCP Annual Review process, typically during Year 2 for admission the following September. In-year admissions may also be considered.

The Local Authority will consult with the school and review:

· The EHCP and professional reports.

· Family views.

· The child's needs and suitability for the provision.

· The impact on existing pupils.

· The efficient use of resources.

The final decision regarding placement rests with Suffolk County Council.

Transition

Where a placement is agreed, a transition programme will be planned with the child, family, current setting and relevant professionals.

Review of Placements

All placements are reviewed through the EHCP Annual Review process. Progress, wellbeing, attendance, independence and access to learning will be monitored to ensure the provision remains appropriate. If a pupil's needs change significantly, alternative provision may be considered through the EHCP review process.

Exit Criteria

A pupil may no longer require a place where they:

· Can successfully access mainstream learning for most of the school day.

· Require less specialist support.

· Have achieved greater independence.

· Would benefit from a different type of specialist provision.

Appeals

Admissions and appeals are governed by the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. Parents/carers who disagree with a placement decision may request mediation and/or appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/send-tribunal.

 

The Broads Thematic Curriculum