The Linden Centre – Admissions Statement

Short Stay Assessment and Intervention / PRU Admissions

Placement at The Linden Centre Short Stay Assessment and Intervention / PRU is commissioned by the Local Authority (LA). All referrals are therefore managed through the LA and places are allocated by the Fair Access Panel (FAP). The panel meets monthly and is chaired by LA officers and headteachers. Placements are prioritised based on the child’s needs, as presented by the referring school, alongside supporting evidence submitted with the referral form.

Referral Process

• A FAP referral form must be completed in full by the child’s current school and submitted, with supporting evidence, by the monthly deadline set by the LA.

• Parental permission must be obtained before the referral is discussed at FAP.

• Parents and carers are encouraged to visit The Linden Centre before a referral is agreed. This allows families to meet our skilled, supportive team and understand the specialist SEMH provision we offer. Visits can be arranged directly with the Centre or via the child’s school.

Specialist Centre Admissions

Function and Aim

The Linden Centre Specialist Centres are maintained day special schools for children aged 5–11 (Primary) and 11–16 (Secondary). Pupils follow a differentiated and appropriately paced curriculum while being fully encouraged to access the National Curriculum where appropriate. Our provision is trauma-informed, attachment-aware, and SEMH-focused, supporting pupils to regulate emotions, build resilience, and engage positively in learning.

Size and Staffing

• The Local Authority is the admissions authority.

• Current capacity: 12 Primary pupils and 12 Secondary pupils.

• Classes are small (up to 4 pupils), with a teacher and teaching assistant, ensuring intensive SEMH and learning support.

Funding

• Funding is place-led by the LA.

Criteria for Placement

• Pupils must be under assessment for, or have, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or statement of special educational needs.

• Pupils’ needs are likely complex and significant in at least two areas of need as defined by the SEND Code of Practice:

  • Cognition and Learning (e.g., moderate learning difficulties)

  • Communication and Interaction (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties)

• Pupils may also have SEMH challenges, including attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours, or social and emotional regulation difficulties.

• Sensory or physical difficulties may also be present.

Referral Routes

Pupils may be considered for placement through:

• Statutory Assessment or EHCP process

• Annual Review or EHCP review

• Transfer from another LA or specialist provision

• Parental request

• Exceptional circumstances (e.g., sudden trauma, permanent exclusion)

Evidence Required

Placement is considered when there is:

• Limited progress in mainstream settings, despite high levels of support

• Evidence of social vulnerability or risk, affecting safe inclusion

• Multi-agency agreement, including educational psychologist input, that a specialist SEMH placement is appropriate

• Consideration of the views of the child and their parents/carers

Prioritising Places

When demand exceeds availability, priority is given to:

1. Children without a current school placement

2. Looked After Children (LAC) where the placement meets their SEMH needs

3. Children whose current placement is no longer meeting their needs

Admission Procedures

• Once the LA approves a referral, the Headteacher will review the application within 15 working days.

• On agreement, the LA notifies parents and the child’s current school to arrange the transfer.

Inclusion Opportunities

• The Linden Centre promotes inclusion in mainstream or local settings wherever appropriate, supporting pupils to access experiences beyond the specialist environment.

• Inclusion opportunities are carefully planned according to pupil need, SEMH readiness, and safety, in consultation with the LA.

• If inclusion may lead to a permanent mainstream placement, an LA officer must be consulted before arrangements are made.

Monitoring & Review

• Every pupil’s progress is reviewed at least termly, with an EHCP or statement review annually.

• Pupils and parents/carers are fully involved in all reviews, ensuring co-production of targets and strategies.

• Admissions arrangements are reviewed as needed through termly meetings between the Headteacher and LA education officers.

Further Information

For more information on admissions, please contact Telford & Wrekin Council:
http://www.telford.gov.uk/admissions