Admissions

Admissions Policy Overview

Supporting Young People with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs

Supporting Young People with Social, Emotional and Mental (SEMH) needs

Newbridge Learning Community is a borough-wide specialist provision for pupils aged 11–16 whose primary need is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). We also support young people with additional needs in Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, and Sensory Processing. Our pupils often require a nurturing environment, therapeutic support, and a highly personalised approach to learning.

Who We Support

We provide specialist education for children and young people who may experience:

• Persistent difficulties forming relationships with peers or adults
• High levels of anxiety, fear or refusal around school attendance
• Difficulties with concentration, self-regulation or emotional control
• Episodes of aggression, self-harm, or unsafe behaviours
• Withdrawal, low mood, and other mental health-related challenges

All our pupils require consistent emotional support, a differentiated curriculum, and regular access to therapeutic interventions in a structured, calm environment.

Admissions Criteria

Pupils placed at Newbridge typically:

• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are undergoing statutory assessment
• Require daily access to small group or 1:1 teaching
• Need therapeutic support that cannot be met in a mainstream setting
• Benefit from a highly structured and relational environment focused on emotional wellbeing

Admissions Process

Admissions to Newbridge Learning Community are coordinated through the Local Authority (LA) and follow a structured, multi-agency process:

1. EHCP or Statutory Assessment is completed by the LA and shared with parents/carers.
2. Where Newbridge is identified as a suitable provision, a formal consultation is sent to our Headteacher.
3. The Headteacher reviews the referral and may carry out a pre-admission visit to the pupil’s current setting.
4. If agreed, a transition plan and start date will be arranged in partnership with families and professionals.
5. The LA will confirm transport (if needed) and notify parents/carers of the admission date.
6. Our team will support a smooth and sensitive transition into Newbridge.

Exit & Transition

We regularly review every pupil’s progress through the Annual Review process. If a pupil makes significant progress and is ready for a return to mainstream education or another setting, we work closely with the Local Authority, families, and receiving schools to ensure a positive, well-supported transition.

Each move is based on:

• Individual needs and progress
• Parental and pupil voice
• Updated advice from an Educational Psychologist
• A clear transition plan outlining support, timescales, and responsibilities

Mainstream Experience

Where appropriate, we offer supported opportunities for pupils to access mainstream settings for example, through part-time placements or short-term experiences. These are planned carefully in consultation with the pupil, family, the Local Authority, and the partner school, with full support from the Newbridge LC team.

A Personalised, Therapeutic Approach

Our admissions process ensures that every child or young person placed at Newbridge receives the right support, from the very start. We take time to understand their needs, strengths, and hopes — working with families and professionals to create a safe, consistent and nurturing environment that enables every pupil to feel included, valued and capable of success.