New Specialist Resource Bases for Autism opening in Thetford!

January sees the first SRBs to officially open under Norfolk's SEND and AP Transformation programme.

Redcastle Family School and Thetford Academy, part of Inspiration Trust, are now open for referrals for their Specialist Resource Bases.

Both SRBs will cater for up to 10 children / young people initially; increasing up to 16 places through the County Council's admission process.

What are ASD SRBs?

• ASD SRBs are a critical part of Norfolk's Local Offer of support for children, young people and their families.
• Children and young people move on to the roll of the ASD SRB school on a permanent basis.
• SRBs are an integral part of the school and learners are supported through their provision to access mainstream classes and school activities
• SRBs are additionally funded and resourced by the Local Authority.

Information related to the pupil profile

• A diagnosis of ASD is not required to consider a place but the profile of child/young person suitable for the base would exhibit ASD traits which form a barrier to their learning
• Suitable students are likely to hold an Education Health & Care Plan, but this is not necessary
• Live within 45 minutes (60 minutes for secondary phase) travel time by car to the SRB
• Have the underlying cognitive ability to access a mainstream school curriculum once barriers to learning have been addressed
• Further information is available at www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/pupil-needs/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/send-provision-services/specialist-resource-bases-srbs/referral-criteria-and-pupil-profile

How is a referral made?

• The SRB Lead teacher/SENCO for which a referral is made, must be made aware of both the child and the referral by the referring school
• No referral should be submitted to any SRB without a discussion with the relevant lead teacher having first taken place.
• Visits and observations by the SRB lead teacher may also be arranged prior to the admissions panel meeting where practical
• Parents and carers must be involved in discussions about the SRB placement and agree to the referral being made This could include visiting the SRB at an agreed time although this is not a prerequisite for agreeing a place.
• Following these steps a referral can be made directly by home-school using the online referral form on the Norfolk Local Offer. This is then processed by the LA ready for discussion at a half termly admissions panel

Interim admission arrangements for Thetford and Redcastle only

The published deadline for submission of referrals for Redcastle Family School and Thetford Academy will be waived for these two SRBs only. For next term, flexibility will be in place to complete pre panel requirements, referrals and placement decisions outside of the published admission deadline dates for refer submission and panel. This will apply to the January and February 2021 admission cycles.

Online referrals can be made via:
https://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/pupil-needs/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/send-provision-services/specialist-resource-bases-srbs/make-a-referral