How to Enrol
A supportive admissions process focused on finding the right placement for every child.
Admissions at Maple School
Maple School provides specialist education for children aged 5 to 11 with a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, cognition and learning needs, and communication difficulties.
We understand that choosing the right school is an important decision. Every potential placement is considered carefully to ensure that Maple School can meet the child’s individual needs and provide an environment in which they can feel safe, engage with learning and make meaningful progress.
Formal referrals must be made directly to Maple School by the child’s local authority, although parents, carers and professionals are welcome to contact us with an initial enquiry. Referrals can be received at any point during the school year.
Initial Enquiries
Parents, carers, local authorities and professionals are welcome to contact us to find out more about Maple School and the support we provide.
During this initial conversation, we can discuss the child’s needs, previous educational experiences and the reasons a specialist placement is being considered. Where we believe Maple School may be able to provide suitable support, we will arrange for the child and their parent or carer to visit the school.
The visit provides an opportunity to meet members of our team, explore the school environment and learn more about our curriculum, routines and personalised approach to education.
Assessment and Suitability
Before offering a placement, we must be confident that Maple School can meet the child’s needs effectively and that the placement is likely to be successful for everyone involved.
Our team will review the information supplied by the local authority and consider the child’s educational, social, emotional, communication and support needs. We may also speak with parents, carers and professionals who know the child well to build a fuller understanding of their strengths, challenges and current circumstances.
This careful assessment helps us determine whether Maple School can provide the right environment, teaching and support for the child.
Admission and Transition
When a placement is agreed, the contract, fees and any appropriate transport arrangements will be confirmed with the child’s local authority.
A suitable start date will then be identified, with the school aiming to offer the earliest possible date once all necessary arrangements are in place.
Every pupil receives a personalised admission programme to support a smooth and reassuring transition. This may include opportunities to visit the school, meet key members of staff, become familiar with the environment and begin establishing the routines and relationships that will support them from their first day.
The Referral Process
1. Initial Enquiry
A parent, carer, local authority or professional contacts Maple School to discuss the child and find out more about our provision.
2. Local Authority Referral
A formal referral is submitted directly to Maple School by the child’s local authority.
3. Information Review
Our team reviews the referral information, including the child’s needs, strengths, previous experiences and current support requirements.
4. School Visit
Where Maple School may be suitable, the child and their parent or carer are invited to visit the school and meet our team.
5. Placement Decision
We consider whether Maple School can meet the child’s needs effectively and whether the proposed placement is likely to be successful.
6. Admission and Transition
Once the placement, funding and any transport arrangements have been agreed, a start date and personalised transition programme are put in place.
Working Together from the Beginning
A collaborative approach to admissions
Throughout the process, we work closely with the child, their family, the local authority and any professionals involved in their education or care.
This helps us build a fuller understanding of the child and prepare the routines, relationships and personalised support they may need when they join Maple School.
Parents and carers are encouraged to share information about their child’s interests, communication, successful strategies and any circumstances that may affect their experience of school.
