Admissions
How do I request a place at West Lancashire Community High School?
We are a generic learning difficulties secondary school and as such every student is aged between 11-19 and has an Education, Health, and Care plan (EHCP). If you consider your child has an undiagnosed Special Education Need you must discuss this with the SENCO of your child’s current school or with your GP.
If your child already has an EHCP then their future provision should be discussed at their annual review meeting. The summary of the review may include a request for a place to the Local Authority, in the first instance. The Local Authority distribute relevant papers to the appropriate schools. The school receives papers and answers the following questions:
- Is there a place?
- Is the school able to meet the child’s needs?
In all cases, a place at the school cannot be offered unless the Area Assessment Officer has agreed.
.
What is an Education, Health and Care plan?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a document that is outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. It is a legal document which describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they need, and the outcomes they would like to achieve.
What is an Area Assessment Officer?
The Area Assessment Officer works for the Local Authority and is responsible for gathering and collating all the necessary information which will help decide whether a child should have an EHCP. The officer for our district can be contacted at Area Office (South), County Hall, Preston PR1 8XB (Telephone 01772 531597).
How can I arrange a visit to West Lancashire Community High School?
If you are considering our school for your child, we would always welcome and encourage you to come and visit us. This will allow you and your child to get an idea of what our school is like and what support we may be able to offer you.
An appointment to visit the school can be made by telephoning the school on 01695 721487.
A copy of the school's prospectus can be obtained from this website.
What happens on the school visit?
A visit may be referenced as a Without Prejudice Visit (WPV)
Visits usually take place during the school day and parents have an opportunity to ask any questions they wish about the school and to gain some understanding about how we might be able to help their child. Usually, for this visit, parents come without their children. A second visit can then be arranged where the student may come and see the part of the school in which they could be working.
What will happen if a place is offered at West Lancashire Community High School?
If your child is offered a place at the school, the parents and the Headteacher will agree a date on which he or she will start. This starting date does not have to be at the beginning of a term. Transport information can be obtained at this time.
Occasionally, a place can be offered for a trial period. At the end of this period, the child's needs are re-assessed and a decision made as to whether a place at West Lancashire Community High School is in his or her interests.