School/college placement support
In this highly personalised service, we develop a bespoke shortlist of schools based upon the individual learner’s full profile and the family’s requirements and then support the family throughout the process of seeking a place from any of the schools in the shortlist for up to 12 months.
About this service
An observational visit to the learner’s current educational setting can be included if needed for an additional fee.
There is an initial consultation to discuss the family’s views regarding suitable new settings and we stay in touch throughout to understand the family’s views and preferences.
The shortlist we provide can cover a radius of up to 1 hour from home or further afield including also regionally and nationally if preferred.
Our bespoke shortlist of relevant settings personalised to the learner will represent our best assessment of what is likely to be suitable for the learner as well as including schools that are likely to have availability.
Follow up: with the family’s written permission, we will register the learner at up to 6 educational settings, completing the necessary paperwork and forwarding the required information, and liaising with schools to arrange visits and proceeding through the initial paperwork assessment and later assessment stages visiting each school with the family as required.
We stay in touch with schools and the family as needed until either a place has been offered or all shortlisted schools have been investigated for up to 12 months.
“We would have been lost without the help and support of the Acorn to Oak Education team. We had been totally stuck and, yet, are now so happy with the placement they found and helped us to access.“
Parent of a neurodivergent learner of secondary age
Types of settings included in our review
Up to age 16: we review mainstream and specialist settings, nursery, primary and secondary schools, as well as state, non-maintained, and independent schools, plus day or boarding options as desired plus colleges that offer 14+ provision if relevant.
16-25-year-olds: we cover sixth forms, further and higher education colleges, universities, and vocational training together with research regarding additional provision within the setting and any further support that could help such as for the development of independent living skills.
Local offer: we provide our feedback about the suitability of the local offer of the learner’s Local Authority.
Learner’s views: we take these on board in determining potential options.
“There literally was no placement available to us that was appropriate but with the team’s help we have full-time provision in place that has literally turned our young person’s life around.”
School placement client
How we work
Families complete our search questionnaire which includes the learner’s views followed by an in-depth consultation with parents and the learner, where appropriate, at the start and following completion of our report. These are typically via Skype, Microsoft Teams, or FaceTime.
Cost
Pricing will depend upon the nature of your search and the search area. Bespoke pricing will be provided for your search. Registration and assessment fees and pre-agreed, reasonable, out-of-pocket travel expenses are paid by the family.
Payment
Payment is requested in full prior to commencement of the service.
Booking
You can book your search by filling out the search form.
Get in touch
Find out more about how we can support your needs