Admissions
Portland School is a specialist provision for pupils, aged 5-16, whose needs cannot be met within mainstream. We are located in Trent Vale and Blythe Bridge and serve families across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. All pupils at Portland School have an Education Health and Care Plan associated with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
Children who require a place at Portland are identified by the Local Authority after an assessment of the pupils’ needs. Occasionally Portland will accept pupils on an assessment placement to support in identifying the more appropriate placement for the pupil.
For pupil admission at Portland School, your child will need an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan from the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which details their special educational needs. You can start by contacting the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at your child's current school or the local council's Information,. The council will help identify suitable special schools and manage the admission process, often involving school visits and agreements from all parties.
1. Determine if an EHC plan is needed
Contact your current school:
Speak to the SEN co-ordinator (SENCO) at your child's current school or nursery if you think they have special educational needs that require specialist support.
Contact the Local Authority:
If your child isn't in school, or for more advice, contact Stoke-on-Trent Local Authority
2. Apply for an EHC Plan
EHC plan assessment:
The local authority will assess your child to determine if they need an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, which outlines their needs and required support.
Identify special schools:
If an EHC plan is issued, it will specify the type of specialist setting that can meet your child's needs, and the local authority may provide a list of suitable schools.
3. Admission to the Special School:
Local Authority Referral: All admissions to special schools are coordinated by the local authority.
School Visits: the council will advise you to contact the school for a potential visit to ensure the setting, curriculum, and staff are appropriate for their needs.
Agreement: Following a successful visit and agreement from the school, parents/carers, and the local authority, arrangements will be made for the admission.