Admissions Procedure
Gretton School is a specialist provision for children and young people who have been diagnosed with major difficulties in the triad of impairments, typical of those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as recognised by Wing and Gould:
- Language and communication.
- Social interaction.
- Repetitive behaviour, imagination and/or rigidity of thought.
Whilst many children may have additional needs, such as epilepsy, learning difficulties and other related conditions, a diagnosis of autism is the prime requirement for admission to Gretton.
Criteria for admission
- The child must have a Statement of Special Educational Needs identifying autism as their most pressing need. This does not apply to children admitted to the assessment provision.
- The child’s placement needs to be supported by the referring Local Authority (LA) who will, in most cases, provide appropriate fees. Parents may also pay Gretton school fees independently.
- The child’s parents/carers must be prepared to work in partnership with the school to promote their child’s learning in all aspects of development.
- The Head of Service must be satisfied that the school can meet the child’s needs.
- The Head of Service is responsible for ensuring an appropriate gender, ability and age balance and will admit when an appropriate place becomes available. Travel distance from home will also be taken into account.
Procedure for admission
- Expressions of interest can be made by completing our downloadable form.
- In the first instance, parents will be invited to meet with the Head of Service to discuss their child’s needs and the facilities available at Gretton. Should they then wish for Gretton to be considered, parents should formally approach the LA to request that admission procedures be initiated.
- At the request of the LA, the school will arrange for an assessment visit to meet the child, which is followed up with a report to the LA indicating whether the school can meet the child’s needs. The school will ask the LA at this stage if they are willing to consider a placement, including details of fees and contractual arrangements. The school will also indicate when a vacancy is likely to be available.
- If the LA agrees to support the placement, the school will add the child’s name to its admissions waiting list, or if an appropriate vacancy exists, admit the child as soon as it is practicable.
