Admissions

The Linden Centre is a Local Authority maintained Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) providing short-term assessment, intervention and specialist support for children and young people whose needs cannot currently be met within a mainstream setting.

The Centre comprises two distinct provisions:

• Short Stay Assessment and Intervention (PRU)
• Specialist SEMH Hub Provision

Each provision has a different purpose and referral pathway.

Short Stay Assessment and Intervention (PRU)

The Short Stay provision is commissioned by Telford & Wrekin Council to provide time-limited assessment, intervention and support for pupils who require alternative provision.

The Linden Centre does not operate an open admissions process, and parents or carers cannot apply directly for a place.

All referrals are managed through the Local Authority's agreed referral arrangements, including the Fair Access Panel (FAP) or other authorised Local Authority processes.

A referral does not guarantee a placement.

Every referral is considered individually, taking account of:

• the statutory purpose of the PRU;
• the needs of the child;
• available capacity;
• staffing ratios;
• health and safety;
• safeguarding considerations;
• the impact on the education and wellbeing of pupils already attending.

Placements are agreed only where the Centre is satisfied that it can safely and effectively meet the child's needs within its commissioned remit.

Specialist SEMH Hub Provision

The Specialist Hub is a highly specialised provision within The Linden Centre for a very small number of children and young people with complex and enduring needs who require an intensive, therapeutic and trauma-informed educational environment.

The Specialist Hub is not a general SEMH special school and should not be regarded as a universal specialist placement for children with social, emotional or mental health needs.

Placement Criteria

A placement will only be considered where there is clear evidence that:

• all reasonable adjustments and graduated support within mainstream education have been fully explored;
• specialist intervention is essential to secure appropriate education;
• the child's needs match the specific designation and purpose of the Specialist Hub;
• the placement can be delivered safely within the Centre's staffing model and resources.

Most pupils will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), although the existence of an EHCP, or a request for assessment, does not in itself confer eligibility for admission.

Commissioning of Places

Places within the Specialist Hub are commissioned by the Local Authority and are subject to:

• the availability of commissioned places;
• suitability of the provision;
• compatibility with the efficient education of existing pupils;
• compatibility with the efficient use of resources;
• operational capacity of the Centre.

The Headteacher will advise the Local Authority whether the Centre is able to meet a child's needs safely and appropriately.

Where these criteria are not met, or where admission would adversely affect the education, wellbeing or safety of pupils already attending, the Centre will advise that an alternative provision should be identified.

The naming of The Linden Centre within an EHCP does not, in itself, determine that a placement will be available or appropriate. Any placement must be considered in accordance with the statutory duties contained within the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice and the operational remit of the PRU.

Referral Process

Referrals are accepted only through Local Authority commissioning arrangements.

Referrals must include appropriate evidence, which may include:

• educational assessments;
• SEND documentation;
• professional reports;
• behaviour and attendance information;
• safeguarding information where relevant;
• evidence of interventions already implemented;
• the views of parents, carers and the child.

Parents and carers are encouraged to visit the Centre as part of the referral process.

Review of Placements

All placements are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet the child's needs and remain appropriate.

PRU placements are reviewed in line with the intended outcomes of the intervention.

Specialist Hub placements are monitored through annual EHCP reviews together with regular multi-agency reviews.

Further Information

For information regarding referral pathways, Fair Access or specialist provision, please contact Telford & Wrekin Council.

The Linden Centre does not maintain a waiting list, accept direct applications or allocate places independently. All placements are subject to Local Authority commissioning arrangements and the Centre's assessment that the placement is suitable, safe and compatible with the needs of all pupils accessing the provision.