Admissions

Please see our Admissions Policy in full here

The Local Authority in which the individual student resides funds the majority of placements. Privately funded pupils/students are considered on an individual basis; however, Local Authority placements are required to take priority over privately funded requests.

Seadown will admit pupils restricted to the prime category of admission approved by the Secretary of State for the individual school and registered with the Governments EDUBASE2 public database.

It is the responsibility of the Headteacher to consider and prioritise referrals with reference to the statutory requirements in the Children and Families Act 2014, Section 38-42. These sections refer to the individual’s EHC Plans and considers:

  • The parents/carers right to name the school of their choice.

  • The requirement for the Local Authority to consult the Headteacher to ensure the individuals particular needs can be met.

  • The compatibility of the individual with the pupils/students currently on roll of the school.

  • The compatibility of the efficient use of school resources (such as exceeding the number of pupils within age groups).

  • The Local Authority’s duty to secure special educational provision and health care provision in accordance with the EHC Plan. 

Adhering to the above admission criteria is essential especially when there are an excess number of referrals for limited places available within the school.

Seadown School admits students ranging from Years 1 to 11. Students may start at any time throughout the course of the school year, providing there is space available.

Seadown is open 38 weeks a year, in line with West Sussex Local Authority term-times, where possible.

Seadown School provides education and support for the following:

  • Moderate Autistic Spectrum Condition / Disorder (ASC)

  • Moderate Social, Emotional or Mental Health difficulties (SEMH);

  • Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) and associated difficulties.

  • Moderate Social/communication difficulties

It is the school’s policy that pupils admitted have an EHCP/ SEN Statement of Educational Needs, in conjunction with the areas described above. Decisions as to each student’s suitability to the school will be made on an individual basis.

 

When there is an enquiry about pupil placement, the initial application process may be as follows:

  • Arrangements for the family/carers to attend an informal visit to the school;

  • Invitation, from the Local Authority, for the Headteacher to ‘express an interest’ in offering a place;

  • Pupil assessment within the classroom environment – this may be once or multiple times followed by communication of the outcome of the assessment, with the Local Authority and parent/carer;

  • Taster Sessions: Organizing half or full-day sessions for the student to experience life at Seadown School, allowing staff and senior leaders to evaluate our ability to meet the student's needs.

  • Consultations with Previous Placements: Engaging with the student's previous educational settings;

  • Home Visits: Meeting with the student, parents, and family at home;

  • Offer paperwork, if accepted, is forwarded to the authority;

  • Arrangements for familiarisation by the families; admission record and agreements completed.

Transition visits are tailored to the needs of the individual pupil ahead of the start date.

*For Local Authority enquiries, Seadown School is required to obtain permission to make initial contact with the family from the Local Authority.