We work closely with commissioners to inform them of our offer and to understand the needs of the students they wish to refer. We recognise that finding the right provision for vulnerable children is critical so we make our referral process sensitive and simple. Admission to Bow Street is a 3 stage process;
In the first instance we welcome new referrers to visit and meet with us to understand our approach. Commissioners are asked to complete a referral form for students to ensure we have all of the information we need to consider when placing a child. We work with commissioners to ensure that decisions on offering an assessment visit are based on complete, accurate and reliable information.
Parents/carers are invited to visit Bow Street, meet with a senior member of staff or the Headteacher and take a look around. These visits allow parents to ask questions, share any concerns and to understand our approach.
Following a successful assessment visit all pupils have a tailored transition into school, see 'How does induction work for students?'
All referrals are considered by the Headteacher and admission decisions are made based on;
Admission decisions are then shared with commissioners in an offer letter. The letter will outline that the referral has been accepted, detailing financial requirements, the support to be offered, a start date and the date by which the offer should be accepted and the address to which to respond. When offer letters are sent, if the commissioner fails to accept the place by the due date, it will be assumed that commissioner no longer wants the place and the offer will be withdrawn.
In the event that the school receive more referrals than we have places we will prioritise the most vulnerable learners. Students with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health Care Plan naming Bow Street, will always be admitted before others. Next, priority will be given to referrals for students who are or were previously looked after by a Local Authority (as defined by the Children Act 1989). We operate a waiting list for those students who have been identified to take up placements in year 9.