Admissions
Purple Oaks Academy will admit a student where the academy is named in a Local Authority (LA) Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The academy has a Planned Admission Number (PAN) of 100 students. We currently have 120 students on roll, so have well-exceeded our PAN.
Prior to the naming of the academy in the EHCP the Local Authority will have consulted with the academy in line with their statutory obligations.
Admissions Arrangements
Places will usually be taken up at the start of the academic year, but by arrangement with the Principal, and in collaboration with the LA and parents, places can be accessed at any time of the year where a student presents with needs which could be met by Purple Oaks Academy.
Consideration will always be given to the numbers of students in classes/year groups and to the profile of needs already within the class. Currently we only have spaces for 6 Reception students from September 2024.
Admission/eligibility criteria
The academy is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs.
The child’s placement is not incompatible with the efficient education of others with whom the child or young person would be educated and is an efficient use of resources.
Parents have expressed a preference for the academy (or in the case of a dispute between the LA and Parents, the LA intend to name the academy in the EHCP)
The child has autism or Severe Learning Difficulties as their main area of need as identified within their EHCP.
Admission procedure
- Parents, SEN teams, teachers, or professionals may contact the academy and be invited to visit to view the arrangements in place to support students’ needs.
- Parents wishing their child to be considered for a place will be advised to contact the LA EHCP team.
- The LA will consult with the Principal regarding each child the LA considers potentially suitable for the academy to request a place in the school.
- The Principal will consider the suitability of the academy in addressing the needs of the child and give consideration to the needs of the students currently on roll. This will involve reviewing all paperwork supplied by the LA and may also involve discussions with parents and visits to the child’s current setting.
The Principal will inform the LA as to whether the provision is suitable in addressing the needs of the child and a decision over placement will be reached by the LA
Appeal arrangements where a referring agent wishes to question a decision about admission
The SEN and disability; 0-25 years, Code off Practice entitles parents to appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal if the LA refused to name the academy in the EHCP or the school refuses to offer a place.
Funding of places
The DfE directly funds Free Schools. Free Special Schools negotiate additional funding from the LA commissioning an academy place.
Duration of placement
The aim of the academy is to teach students to become increasingly self aware and to learn to self regulate thereby managing their own difficulties and ultimately allowing them to access a mainstream academy place. However, many students will continue to need the supportive environment of Purple Oaks throughout their education. Places are available to the end of KS5 for any student needing the continued provision of the academy assuming that the academy continues to be able to meet their special educational needs. The provision will be reviewed each year through the Annual Review process.
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