Your journey with us begins long before your child starts their first school day at our school. The profile of children we seek is specific and there is good reason to be selective. Our pupils have a range of needs that rule out both mainstream and specialist behavioural schools.
We work with you from the outset to learn your child’s situation and particular needs. We welcome parents to visit our school and should you feel the provision may be suitable, you can request the LA to formally consult with us by sending the EHCP and associated documentation.
We will complete an initial review of papers before commencing an assessment process which involves gathering information from yourselves and current placement, alongside an onsite assessment visit. Once we agree that our school is the appropriate choice we begin a careful process of transition, where we invite your child to join a class and work alongside their peers. We call these ‘Acquaint Days’ and it helps them to gently familiarise themselves with the environment before joining. We aim to ensure our pupils feel at home from day one.
We place huge value on our relationship with the families of our children. We develop personal plans with every child and consult closely with parents at every step of the way.We welcome parent visits.
If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact our Head of Admissions on 07917 995 892.
Is this school appropriate for my child’s needs?
We offer specialist education for pupils with Autism and associated needs which includes social communication, anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD. This also encompasses those children who require a smaller, more nurturing environment than found in mainstream education.
Can I attend an open day?
We invite parents to contact our Head of Admissions to arrange 1:1 visits, this allows the opportunity to discuss your child’s individual needs during the visit
What does being a ‘therapeutic’ school actually mean?
It means everything we do is underpinned by our seamless therapeutic approach, anchored in the most recent research and evidence in relational practice, healthy brain development, the impact of trauma and adversity, and attachment. This includes therapists working alongside staff in classrooms, continuous therapist-led staff training in therapeutic models and strategies, our values-centred curriculum, and a high-quality therapy offer for our families.
Therapy is offered to pupils on an individual, small group and whole-class basis. It is a sensitively-integrated element of every pupil’s curriculum.
Will my child go on trips and how will they be kept safe?
Of course! We think it is extremely important that all pupils enjoy opportunities to go on trips, to play in local parks and to participate in a range of enriching experiences. We risk assess every pupil and every activity, and ensure that the staff-to-pupil ratio supports out-of-school experiences that are as safe as possible.
Do pupils have to wear a uniform?
Yes, all pupils are expected to wear school uniform which includes an school jumper and/or polo shirt, black trousers or skirt, and black shoes or trainers. Jewellery is not permitted, except for single-stud earrings in each ear.
What about mobile phones and other devices?
Mobile phones, and any devices that connect to the internet such as tablets and smartwatches, are strictly forbidden in all our schools. All pupils’ devices must be handed it at reception where they are stored securely until pupils leave at the end of the school day.
What are the arrangements for food?
Pupils receive breakfast, breaktime snacks and freshly-prepared lunches in all our schools. In schools where we have the facilities, these are cooked by our brilliant in-school chefs. A range of dietary requirements is catered for.
Will my child be physically restrained?
Only when it is absolutely necessary in order to keep everybody safe. We do not physically intervene with pupils as a behaviour management strategy. Our staff are CPI trained, which is nationally recognised training focused on de-escalation (spotting triggers before an incident occurs and intervening quickly) and positive handling (a small number of safe, tried and tested holds).
Is transport to and from school provided?
Many of our pupils are transported to school by their local authority. This is something families apply for through their local authority’s SEND transport team. We are not responsible for transporting pupils to and from our school sites and have no influence over decisions made to provide it.
How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?
From time to time, families with children at an Blazing Stars School may have a concern they need to raise, or a complaint that needs resolving. In the first instance, please speak to your child’s trusted adult, or their assistant principal. For full details, please see our complaints procedure.
Are there opportunities to meet my child’s teachers and the therapy team?
Of course! In addition to at-least weekly contact from your child’s trusted adult, we hold parent drop in sessions throughout the year
