FAQs

Yes. However, learners who are identified as having additional needs but do not yet have an EHCP, will need to undergo the Education, Health and Care Assessment Request (ECHAR) process. If capacity allows, Allerthorpe may support local authorities, families, and learners in gaining an EHCP by offering a short-term placement whilst all assessments are completed. If, following assessment, a learner is given an EHCP, admission will be considered to Allerthorpe School in line with our Admissions Policy.

All learners have a Regulation Support Plan (RSP) which outlines their individual needs and challenges, and how staff can support them. Staff work with learners to update their RSP termly to ensure the information is accurate and relevant.

Theraplay informed practice is embedded throughout the school. Theraply informed practice provides a range of ‘up and down regulating activities’ to support learner’s emotions throughout the day. This ensures they are in a regulated state to successfully access learning.

At Allerthorpe School, we pride ourselves on providing education that is engaging and innovative. Through a varied and adaptable curriculum we aim to teach learners how to grow into positive, responsible young people who are able to not only have a positive impact in their local community but to also successfully transition into further education, employment, volunteering and adulthood.

Allerthorpe School works with learners aged between 11 and 16 who have special educational needs within the areas of Moderate learning needs (MLD), Social and Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH, and communication difficulties. However, we can also support learners with a wide range of needs falling within the broad categories of Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Physical and Sensory and SEMH. We offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications and subjects to our learners. We also pride ourselves on the wide range of educational visits and trips which underpin our learners’ educational experiences at the school.

Our staff are highly trained in all areas of Special Educational Needs, from Social Emotional and Mental Health to Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also offer a range of training and mentoring opportunities which give our staff all the tools they need to inspire and support all learners to fulfil their potential.

Safeguarding is a priority of the school and therefore all our staff are highly trained with a strong safeguarding culture.

Allerthorpe School assesses all learners in the areas of communication, education and social skills development. We believe these are the foundations for lifelong success, and enable our learners to thrive in school and beyond.

Each year, an Annual EHCP Review is held, to which both the parents/carers and SENCo are invited, as well as any other key professionals that work with or are involved with the learner or family. At this Annual Review meeting, the progress of the learner is discussed together with any further support requirements which may need to be put in place. There is also a Transitional EHCP Review meeting that takes place as part of the Annual Review meeting at every key-stage transition period.

Learners are invited to attend their Annual Review meeting so they are able to be involved in discussions about their learning and development and to provide their own feedback on their education and progress.

The school also has termly learner online questionaries and a school council that puts forward ideas for school activities or collaborations.

We believe that effective communication with parents and carers is of the utmost importance. Parents and carers are fully involved throughout their child’s time with us, from the induction process and beyond. We believe you know your child best and your views and support are key to a positive integration and journey through our school. We communicate regularly with parents and carers, including weekly check-in calls with class teachers and termly reports to keep you fully involved in your child’s education. There are two parent evenings each year and we operate an ‘open door policy’, and parents and carers are welcome to visit the school at any time.

Should you have any questions regarding your child, telephone the school using the site specific contact details on our contact page, and our reception team will direct you to the relevant member of staff. If you would like further information about the school, you can telephone or email, or submit a message using our website contact form.

The school SENDCo and Safeguarding Lead are here to offer support, to both learners and families. Support is available on a daily, weekly or ad hoc basis. Contact us for further information.

Allerthorpe School has a robust induction process which is personally designed to meet the individual needs of each learner.

This process is underpinned by following a structured, academic, social and pastoral initial assessment process, capturing the views of learners and their families, creating bespoke and personalised learning plans before learners join us, and by supporting learners educationally and emotionally throughout transition and beyond.

Throughout their Key Stage 4, learners are provided with ample opportunities to experience different career options, including participating in our work experience programme.

Learners have access to careers advisors and will also learn how to write job applications and practice interview techniques. We also support learners to liaise with Post 16 Colleges to ensure they are matched with the most suitable courses when they take their next steps in education.

Through delivery of our Careers programmes, we equip every learner with the foundations, education, qualifications, skills, and opportunities needed for lifelong success.

We welcome an open dialogue with parents/carers and hope we can resolve any concerns as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns or are not happy with an aspect of school, then please request an informal meeting with the Principal. If this does not resolve the concern, then please refer to our Complaints Procedure which explains how parents/carers can lodge a complaint. The Complaints Procedure is available from the school office or on our website.