All young people at Sky have an EHCP. Referrals for the admission of a student to Sky Academy come directly from Somerset Local Authority. A decision to approach the school to consider a placement is made by the LA’s Complex Cases Panel through one of the Special Educational Needs Casework Officers.
The Casework Officer will send ‘papers for consideration’ to the school’s SENDCo who alongside the rest of SLT decides whether Sky Academy can meet the needs of the young person, and whether this can be done on the funding being offered.
The team formulates a response to the LA’s Complex Cases Panel. Decisions are made in line with Schedule 27 of the Education Act 1996; therefore recommendations to seek alternative provision will be made if:
(a) the school is unsuitable to the child’s age, ability or aptitude or to his special educational needs, or
(b) the attendance of the child at the school would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for the children with whom he would be educated or the efficient use of resources.
(c) the school has reached its maximum capacity at the time of admission.
The LA should confirm with Sky and the Parent/Carer that a placement at Sky Academy has been agreed by the Complex Cases Panel.
Once a placement is agreed the pastoral team engage with the parent/carer to manage the transition and support the family in applying for transport and free school meals if applicable.
