A calm and careful admissions process, centred on the pupil.
We plan placements carefully. We work with families, local authorities, and professionals so that Spark Vale Academy is the right match before a placement is agreed.
At a glance
Who we support:
Neurodivergent pupils that have an EHCP for autism, ADHD, EBSA & ACE's.
How to refer:
Most referrals come through the local authority SEND team. Parents can also ask their local authority to consult with us.
What we need:
The EHCP and recent professional information so we can understand needs and plan safely.
Next steps:
Review paperwork, meet the pupil and family, then confirm the outcome and next steps.
Who we support
We are a specialist, needs-led setting. We support pupils who may find mainstream settings hard to access and who benefit from a calmer, more personalised approach.
In general, pupils placed with us have an Education, Health and Care Plan. If a pupil does not yet have an EHCP but is in assessment, please speak to your local authority SEND team and contact us for an initial discussion.
We consider each pupil as an individual. Decisions are based on need, safety, and whether we can deliver the provision set out in the EHCP while protecting the wellbeing and needs of all pupils in school.
Request a Call
Routes to referral
Local authorities and professionals
Local authorities usually refer through a consultation process. Referrals can be sent by email or through the local authority system.
Parents and carers
Parents can request that their local authority consults with us as part of the EHCP process. If you are considering Spark Vale Academy, you can contact us for an informal conversation and we will guide you on next steps.
Information we need
To make a quick and safe decision, it helps to receive:
- The current EHCP (or most recent draft)
- Recent school reports and attainment information
- Attendance information and what has already been tried
- Educational Psychology advice (if available)
- Reports from other professionals such as SALT, OT, or clinical services (if relevant)
- Any risk information that helps us plan safely and supportively
If something is not available yet, send what you have. We can advise on what else may be helpful.
Our admissions process
Step 1
Referral received
We acknowledge the referral and confirm what information we have received.
Step 2
Paperwork review
Senior staff review the EHCP and supporting information to understand needs, risks, and the type of provision required.
Step 3
Visit and initial assessment meeting
If we believe we may be able to meet need and we have a potential place, we invite the pupil and family to visit. A local authority representative and other professionals can attend where appropriate.
Step 4
Decision and next steps
We aim to communicate a decision quickly. In many cases, we share an outcome within one working day of the initial assessment visit. If a further assessment day is needed, we arrange it as soon as possible and then confirm the final decision promptly.
Step 5
Admission planning and start
Once a placement is agreed, we confirm a start date and plan transition carefully. We support a smooth start so pupils can build routine, attendance, and learning stamina over time.
Visit & Site Expectations
We welcome visits from families and professionals. We also protect the privacy and stability of the pupils already in school.
All visits are:
Pre-booked and staff-led
Signed in through reception
Supported by staff supervision throughout the visit
To protect confidentiality and safeguarding, photographs and recordings are not permitted.
If there are no spaces
If we do not have a place available, we will be clear about this. Where appropriate, pupils may be placed on a waiting list for the relevant year group. When a space becomes available, places are offered in line with the school's admissions criteria and local authority processes.
Fairness, dignity & inclusion
We do not make decisions based on labels or stereotypes. We aim to understand the whole pupil and what they need to succeed. We will always be honest if a pupil's needs require a different type of setting or a level of clinical provision that we cannot offer.
For local authorities and professionals
Please send a consultation to office@sparkvaleacademy.co.uk and include the EHCP and key reports. If you would like to discuss suitability before sending paperwork, you can request a call.
If you would like to explore Spark Vale Academy, please contact us for an informal conversation. We can also explain how to ask your local authority to consult with us.