Admissions

Many of the young people who are referred to GEM Hereford have encountered negative school experiences as a result of their diagnosis. These can include:

  • Poor attendance, disengagement from learning and social isolation at school which may have included bullying.

  • School breakdown as a result of their diagnosis

  • Elevated levels of anxiety

  • A range of mental health issues such as feelings of low mood and low self-esteem

  • Problems with independence skills such as eating, sleeping and personal hygiene.

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In many cases, over time, these factors combine to reach crisis point and lead to school refusal or multiple school exclusions which result in a poor quality of life for the young person and their family. It is often at this point that referrals are made to GEM Hereford. For these reasons, the school strongly believes that referrals and admissions to the school should be a partnership building process with parents, the placing authority, and the school, designed to ensure that the school can meet the needs of the prospective student.

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All applicants are carefully considered to ensure that the school is suitable for the young person’s age, ability, aptitude, and special educational needs and that the placement is compatible with the provision of efficient education for other students already attending the school.

No applicants will be treated less favourably during the admissions process in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

The Admissions process appreciates how challenging the transition into a new placement can be for young people and their families. It recognises that the process needs to be planned sensitively and thoroughly. All new students will have their placement reviewed after six weeks to ensure the GEM approach is the right fit for their needs.

The time frame for the admissions process depends on a number of factors including: 

  • The quantity and nature of the referral information

  • The number of young people already waiting for assessment

  • The time of year and availability of placements

  • Sourcing specialist training to support health needs.

All referrals and admissions to the school are coordinated and arranged through the Admissions Panel which is made up of the following: the Head Teacher, School Business Manager, Pastoral Manager and a School Trustee.

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Admissions Criteria:

 

All young people admitted to GEM Hereford:

 

  • Have ASD, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or related diagnoses.

  • May have an Education, Health, and Care Plan

  • Are aged between 8-18

  • May have additional needs associated with other diagnoses such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia

 

Additional information:

 

  • Students will have abilities in the average or above average range but may display atypical learning styles and uneven (spiky) profiles of cognitive strengths and difficulties.

  • Students may have a range of needs that are directly linked to their autism spectrum condition resulting in inflexible thinking patterns, social communication and interaction difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and sensory difficulties.

  • Students will have needs and ability profiles that are compatible with an appropriate key-stage peer group.

  • Students may present with additional medical conditions including mental health issues and stereotypical behaviours, but the school reserves the right to decide whether these can reasonably be managed safely and effectively within its existing resources.

  • Students will be limited to children who live within an approximately 60 minutes journey time each way

  • International students will require a guardian resident in the UK.

  • The site is of an open nature and therefore not suitable for young people who have a known history of absconding or who may attempt to run away.

  • The school will also accept students that are privately funded by trusts, and other funding bodies.

  • GEM Hereford will not accept any referral for a student that has previously committed an act of violence towards a member of staff at a previous provision.

Referrals are accepted at any time and new admissions can take place throughout the year.

Most referrals are made by local authorities, but in many cases begin as parental enquiries. We encourage parents to visit the school as part of their search for an appropriate placement for their child. Parent visits will be available to make, by appointment only.