Admissions and Referral Procedures 2026 to 2027

Admissions are transparent, consistent, child-centred and evidence-based. Places are commissioned by schools and local authorities. We do not offer public self-referral through this website.

Principles

A place is offered only where, in professional judgement:

• The placement is in the young person’s best interests.
• We can safely meet educational, social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Staffing, curriculum and interventions are available.
• Admission will not compromise the safety or welfare of others.
• The commissioning school and, where appropriate, the local authority agree.

Capacity (indicative)

• KS3 Respite and Recovery programme: up to 12 young people.
• KS4 alternative provision: up to 12 young people.

Capacity always depends on staffing, risk, curriculum fit and safeguarding.

Stage one: referral shared with staff

Referrals arrive through the agreed Rapid Response process. The referral form is shared with all Evolution Education staff so everyone understands the young person’s context before arrival. Where applicable (including KS3 / Rapid Response), the Student Passport is included and chased if missing.

Commissioners should provide, where relevant: referral form, Student Passport, attendance and behaviour information, latest school report, SEND and EHCP information, risk assessments, behaviour plans, medical and safeguarding information, professional reports, reintegration history and current timetable. Incomplete packs may be returned.

Stage two: Rapid Response Panel

Referrals are considered before any place is offered. The panel normally includes the Evolution Education CEO, the host headteacher or representative where relevant, the commissioning school and the local authority where appropriate.

Stage three: agreed in principle

Suitable referrals are agreed in principle for an induction and assessment period before longer-term confirmation. Student Services invites the commissioning school to bring the student and parent or carer to the centre for induction.

Stage four: centre induction

A face-to-face induction at the school or centre with the young person, parent or carer, commissioning school and Evolution Education. Induction includes:

• Tour of facilities.
• Behaviour for Learning expectations.
• Confirmation of admissions.
• Home–Centre Agreement (signed).
• Starting timetable.
• Medical needs.
• Main school contact details.

All student information is recorded on Bromcom. Parent and carer contact details are saved on the centre phone.

Stage five: Focus Learning assessment (first 3 to 5 days)

On the first day, the young person completes an initial wellbeing and readiness assessment and core subject assessment in Focus Learning. They remain in Focus Learning for 3 to 5 days for ongoing assessment, observation and settling.

Focus Learning at the start of placement is a higher-support educational setting. It is not an exclusion and must not become indefinite drift.

Stage six: pathway decision

Student Services and senior leadership agree the pathway best suited to the student. An Individual Learning Plan is opened or updated. Key Adult, timetable and support arrangements are confirmed.

Stage seven: placement review cycle

• 2 weeks: internal review by Student Services and senior leadership.
• 6 weeks: review with the commissioning (main) school.
• Every 6 or 12 weeks thereafter: ongoing reviews as agreed with school, family and pathway.

Possible early outcomes include: place confirmed, confirmed with extra support, extended assessment, or a recommended alternative with the commissioner.

Stage eight: ongoing support

Ongoing support and evidence come from:

• Teacher feedback.
• Student Services feedback.
• THRIVE meeting decisions.
• Mentor feedback.

Behaviour patterns are supported through the Behaviour for Learning pathway. Safeguarding concerns are recorded in CPOMS and never wait for a review meeting.