FAQs

Yes, however, learners with a draft EHCP would be considered for admission.

All learners have a pen portrait plan which outlines their individual needs and challenges, how staff can support them, and the learner’s goals for the future. Learners update their pen portraits termly with support from a trusted staff member to ensure the information is accurate and relevant.

At Belgrave School, we pride ourselves on providing education that is engaging and innovative. Through a varied and adaptative 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.

Belgrave School works with learners aged between 7 and 16 who have special educational needs mainly within the areas of specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia. 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.

Belgrave School assesses all learners in the areas of learning, communication and social skills development. We believe these are the foundations for lifelong success and enable our learners to thrive in school and beyond. A baseline assessment is completed soon after a learner joins Belgrave School to enable progress to be measured.  Parents/carers, the school SENCo and the LEA are then invited to a 6 week review to discuss whether needs are being met and to discuss confirmation of the place.

Each year, an Annual SEN Review is held, which both the parents/carers and school SENCo are invited to, as well as any other key professionals. 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 an 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 SEN Review meeting, so they can be involved in discussions about their learning and development and to provide their own feedback on their education and progress.

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 check-in calls with Learning Support Mentors and/or school leadership, reports and Parents/Carers’ Meetings, to keep you fully involved in your child’s education. 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, you can telephone the school office using the contact details on our website contact page. Our School Administrator 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.

Belgrave 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 our work experience programme.  Learners 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.

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 a member of school staff and/or 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.

Parents/carers should contact the Local Educational Authority School Transport Department. Transport arrangements are  a contract between the Parents/Carers and School Transport and schools are not allowed to be involved.