Admissions & Referrals
Choosing the right school or provision for a young person is an important decision. At The Tutorial Foundation, we want the admissions and referral process to be clear, supportive and centred around the needs of the pupil.
We work with parents, carers, local authorities, schools and professionals to consider whether our provision is suitable and whether we can meet the young person’s needs.
How Referrals Work
Referrals may come from local authorities, schools, parents, carers or professionals involved with a young person.
Once a referral is received, we review the information provided and consider whether The Tutorial Foundation may be an appropriate setting. This may include looking at the pupil’s EHCP, professional reports, previous school information, attendance history, current presentation, learning needs, social and emotional needs, and any support already in place.
Where appropriate, this may be followed by further discussion, a visit, a meeting or a planned transition process.
Our aim is to make sure that every placement is carefully considered and that pupils are supported into the right environment from the beginning.
Suitability
The Tutorial Foundation supports young people who benefit from a smaller, more personalised and nurturing school environment.
Many pupils have experienced barriers to learning, attendance, confidence, emotional regulation, communication or wellbeing. Some pupils may have found mainstream education overwhelming, while others need a more flexible and individualised approach to help them re-engage with education.
Before a placement is agreed, we consider whether we can meet the pupil’s needs safely and effectively. We also consider whether the school environment, curriculum, pastoral support and wider provision are appropriate for the young person.
Working with Local Authorities
We work closely with local authorities to support pupils with EHCPs and complex educational needs.
Strong communication with local authorities helps us plan effectively, understand the pupil’s needs, review progress and ensure that provision remains appropriate. We value open, professional and constructive partnership working throughout the referral process and during a pupil’s placement.
Transition into School
We understand that starting a new school can feel challenging for pupils and families, particularly where a young person has had difficult previous experiences of education.
Where a placement is agreed, we work to support a careful and reassuring transition. This may include visits, meetings, information-sharing, gradual introduction where appropriate, communication with parents and carers, and planning around the pupil’s individual needs.
Our aim is to help pupils feel safe, welcomed and understood from the beginning.
Offsite and Alternative Provision
Some pupils may access offsite or alternative provision as part of their individual pathway.
Where this is appropriate, arrangements are carefully considered, monitored and reviewed. We work to ensure that any offsite provision is safe, suitable and linked to the pupil’s needs, interests, EHCP outcomes and future plans.
We maintain communication with families, local authorities, providers and professionals so that pupils continue to receive joined-up support and remain part of The Tutorial Foundation’s wider provision.
Fees and Funding
Many pupils are placed at The Tutorial Foundation through local authority funding, often linked to an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Information about fees and funding can be discussed as part of the admissions or referral process.
Making an Enquiry
Parents, carers, local authorities, schools and professionals are welcome to contact us to discuss a possible referral or placement.
Please contact the school if you would like to ask a question, share information about a young person, or speak to the relevant member of staff about admissions and referrals.