Admissions Procedure
In brief there are 5 key phases in the admission
procedure. This applies for both day pupils and residential
pupils. Greater explanation of each phase is available in
Donaldson's Admissions Policy. Please contact the school for
a copy.
- Referral: Most initial enquiries are made
informally through a telephone/ textphone call or email. All such
enquiries are directed to the Deputy Head Teacher who is
responsible for all referrals and admissions. The Deputy Head
Teacher is happy to discuss informally any aspect of the referral
and admissions process at any time during the school year.
- Admissions Assessment: In order to ensure that
Donaldson's can meet the language, educational and social needs of
a young person referred for placement, each pupil will be offered
an admissions assessment.
- Trial Placements: Trial placements may
be offered if appropriate after a successful admissions
assessment.
- Post-Placement Review: The purpose of the
post-placement review is to review the placement and to identify
any changes that need to be put in place to better support the
education and care of the pupil.
- Placement: All placements are designed to best
meet the needs of the individual pupil. We take into account the
views of the young person, parents/carers, Donaldson's
multi-disciplinary admissions assessment team and the views of
professionals from the referring Local Authority or Health Trust.
All placements are subject to annual review.
As part of the application process for residential pupils we
strongly encourage a visit to Donaldson's for a full tour of the
Lodge to see where your child will be residing. For more
information on our residence please visit Our Residence
section.