Admission Process

“How will we know if you are the right school?”

Only you will know that. Sending a child to a residential school is, for families, a difficult and challenging decision. Sending a child with special needs into the care of others is a double challenge, a watershed event.

We cannot remove the natural anxiety associated with sending a child away to school. Nor can we tell you it is the right choice, as that depends on your child. We are keen, however, to alleviate any stress that may be placed on students and families, either prior to admission or during the assessment period, due to a lack of information.

As a first step, we recommend calling Cambian Education Freephone number on 0800 288 9779.

If you are a parent, you can speak, in confidence, with one of our Parent Liaison Officers about your child's needs and our education programmes. If you are with a Local Education Authority or another Government Authority, you can speak, in confidence, with one of our Special Needs Placement Officers- all of whom are experts in ASD and our specialist programmes.

Enquiries regarding referrals are made to Cambian Education by parents, education authorities, social services departments or health authorities. There are no hard rules or strict formats for an Admission - it depends on the unique circumstances of each child.

Generally, the next step is to arrange for the family to visit the school to meet our staff, see the surroundings and learn about our specialist programmes. We want you to see us in action.

Next, we will need to assess your child, which most often occurs in the child's home environment or a location of your choosing.

After full consultation and agreement between parents, the Head and the local authority, we offer a place in writing to the authority. An admission date is then agreed.

Before admission, families are invited to visit the school with their child so that everyone is familiar with the building and routines and has a chance to meet the school Head and the student's individual key worker.

A Cambian school gives your child:

• Increased awareness of others
• Behaviour modification plans
• Social skills training
• Improved communication through speech and language therapy
• Enhanced ability to live independently through daily living skills training
• New friends through our programme of local community contact
• New leisure activities and skills both in school and out
• National Curriculum education
• Extended Curriculum ('waking day' education)
• Better self-esteem through success and achievements