Admissions and Transitions
We are a Reach South Specialist Academy who primarily cater for 210 pupils with autism, across our North and South sites. Every pupil at the academy has and Education, Health Care Plan.
Admissions Referrals
All referrals for admission to The Springfields Academy should come from Central SEND Services, Department for Children and Education, Wiltshire Council. We also accept referrals from neighbouring authorities with the knowledge of Wiltshire Council.
All admission consultations must be sent to: admissions@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Admissions consultations are considered by our admissions panel who meet weekly. The panel is made up of:
- Deputy Headteacher (Admissions Lead) - Nicola Whitcombe
- SENCO - Connie Knight
- Head of Therapy - Liz Burns
- Assistant Headteacher - Lee Davidson
- Assistant Headteacher, Springfields South - Samantha Cottrell
- Assistant Headteacher, Springfields South - Rebecca Deacon
- Parent Support Advisor - Therese Flaherty
- Executive Business Manager - Lynn Yendle
Details of our admissions criteria and processes are detailed within our Admissions Policy:
Admissions Transitions to Springfields
Every pupil's transition to Springfields is personalised to pupil need. Our aim is always to ensure that transitions to the Academy are as smooth as possible, reducing any anxieties our pupils may have.
An individualised admissions transition program may include:
Visits to the Academy with the PSA
Transition 'Team around the Child' meeting
Transition social skills support via Padlet (online virtual platform) or booklet which includes:
- Photographs of the pupils new teacher and key staff members
- Photographs of their new classroom and key areas on the site
- Social skills support e.g. social stories
- Prospective timetable
Transition visits (time in the provision)
Parent/carer coffee morning:
- Meet key staff member
- Find out important information
- Complete admissions paperwork
- Order uniform
Phased transition into school timetable
Transitions to another provision
We aim to ensure all transitions from our setting are successful for all our pupils. We work closely with new providers to ensure they have clear, up to date information about pupils. In many cases we offer autism support and guidance to the new setting to ensure a smooth transition for the pupil.
An individualised transition program may include:
Supported visits to the new setting
Transition 'Team around the Child' meeting
Transition social skills support via Padlet (online virtual platform) or booklet which includes:
- Photographs of key staff members
- Photographs of their new setting
- Social skills support e.g. social stories
Travel Training (Post 16)
Pupil Information/key documents shared with new provider(s):
- Education, Health Care Plan
- Most Recent Annual Review
- Recent Professional Reports (e.g. SALT, OT, CAHMS, Medical)
- Safeguarding file
- CTF
Post 16 Transitions Handbook
Admissions and Transitions Key Contacts:
Admissions Enquiries and Consultations: admissions@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Admissions Lead - Deputy Headteacher, Nicola Whitcombe - nwhitcombe@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Post 16 Transitions Lead - Assistant Headteacher, Lee Davidson - ldavidson@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Parent Support Advisor, Therese Flaherty - tflaherty@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Head of Therapy, Liz Burns - lburns@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
SENCo, Connie Knight -cknight@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
Springfields South - Assistant Headteacher Springfields South- Rebecca Deacon -rdeacon@springfields.wilts.sch.uk
