How to Enrol
We understand that choosing the right school is an important decision. Our admissions process is designed to help families, professionals and local authorities decide whether Cherry Tree School is the right setting for each child.
Admissions at Cherry Tree School
Cherry Tree School provides specialist education for children and young people aged 5 to 16 with a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, cognition and learning needs, and communication difficulties.
Every child is different, so each potential placement is considered individually. Before offering a place, we must be confident that we can meet the child’s needs effectively and that Cherry Tree will provide an environment in which they can feel safe, engage with education and make meaningful progress.
Initial enquiries are welcome, although formal referrals must be made directly by the pupil’s local authority. Referrals can be considered at any point during the school year.
Initial Enquiries
Parents, carers, professionals and local authorities are welcome to contact us to find out more about Cherry Tree School and the support we provide.
Following an initial enquiry, our team will consider the information available about the child and their individual needs. Where we believe Cherry Tree may be able to provide a suitable placement, we will arrange a visit to the school.
The child and their parent or carer will be invited to meet members of our team, explore the school environment and learn more about our educational offer. This also gives us an opportunity to understand more about the child’s strengths, needs, experiences and aspirations.
Assessment and Suitability
A place at Cherry Tree School can only be offered when we are confident that we can meet the child’s needs and that the placement is likely to be successful for everyone involved.
Our team will carefully review the referral information provided by the local authority and consider areas including:
- The child’s educational, social, emotional and communication needs
- Their previous experiences of education
- Any barriers that may have affected their engagement or progress
- The support, environment and curriculum they require
- Whether Cherry Tree can provide an appropriate peer group
- How the proposed placement may affect the child and the existing school community
We may request further information or speak with the family, current school, local authority and other professionals involved with the child.
The decision is based on the individual child and the school’s ability to provide a safe, supportive and effective placement.
Admission and Transition
Once Cherry Tree School and the local authority have agreed that the placement is suitable, the contractual arrangements, fees and transport provision, where appropriate, will be confirmed with the local authority.
A start date will then be identified. We will always aim to offer the earliest suitable date while allowing enough time to prepare properly for the child’s arrival.
Every pupil receives a personalised admission programme to support a smooth and positive transition into Cherry Tree School. Depending on the pupil’s needs, this may include:
- Additional visits before their first day
- Opportunities to meet key members of staff
- A gradual or phased introduction to school
- Visual information about the school and daily routines
- Liaison with the pupil’s previous setting
- Regular communication with parents and carers
- Individual arrangements to support health, wellbeing or communication needs
Our aim is to help every new pupil feel welcomed, understood and secure as they begin their journey with us.
The Referral Process
1. Local Authority Referral
The pupil’s local authority sends a formal referral to the Branches Education Group referrals and school admissions team.
2. Information Review
Our team reviews the information provided to gain an initial understanding of the pupil’s needs and whether Cherry Tree may be an appropriate setting.
3. School Visit
Where we believe we may be able to meet the pupil’s needs, the child and their parent or carer will be invited to visit Cherry Tree School.
4. Suitability Assessment
We consider the pupil’s educational and support needs, the provision available at Cherry Tree and whether the placement is likely to be successful.
5. Placement Agreement
When a place is considered suitable, the contract, fees and transport arrangements, where applicable, are agreed with the local authority.
6. Personalised Transition
A start date is confirmed and an individual admission programme is created to help the pupil make a supported and successful transition into school.
