Admissions and Transitions

Admissions

All pupils who attend West Gate School have an EHCP or Education and Health Care Plan.  The local authority responsible for issuing the plan will decide whether a special school placement is appropriate. 
Once the decision to seek a placement in a special school has been finalised by the local authority, then schools will be consulted to determine whether or not they can meet the needs of the pupil as set out in the EHCP.  Parents are entitled to give an opinion about their preferred school. 
West Gate School admits pupils with a wide range of needs, but most of our pupils have severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum conditions, as well as other associated needs such as speech and language, communication and interaction difficulties.  A small number of pupils have social, emotional and mental health needs predominantly as a comorbidity.  
When West Gate School receives information from the local authority about a child or young person, we endeavour to meet that pupil in their current setting. We also encourage parents to visit the school. Please call the school office to make an appointment.  Once the local authority and school have determined that needs can be met then a date for admission will be set after a successful transition period.

Transitions

For Post 16 students leaving West Gate there is robust and collaborative process, working with families and professionals from external agencies. This facilities opportunities for all leavers and their families to make informed and considered decisions about their next transition. 
 
The school works closely with the allocated Supported Internship Co-ordinator/SEND Adviser from Connexions and Social Workers from the Transitions Team for Leicester City Council as well as the allocated Social Worker from the Young Adults Disabilities Team for Leicestershire County Council.

Young people | Leicester Employment Hub Becoming an adult - how our help changes | Leicestershire County Council 
West Gate also maintains strong links with the city colleges and specialist education provisions. 
 
For pupils starting at West Gate, their transition is personalised based on their individual needs. West Gate staff coordinate this by working in collaboration their families and current provision to enable a successful and sustainable placement at the school. 

To find further information about admissions from Leicester City Council, see Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (leicester.gov.uk) or contact SES on 0116 2454 2050