School/college shortlist service
We create a personalised shortlist for schools or colleges that are the most suitable of those available for your child’s individual needs, skills and interests.
About this service
We assess the individual learner’s profile in detail through reviewing any Education and Health Care Plan, as well as up-to-date educational psychology and other reports. An observational visit to the learner’s current setting can be included if needed for an additional fee.
We discuss the family’s views in depth regarding suitable new settings and also again after developing the personalised shortlist at the end to discuss the outcome of our shortlist process.
The shortlist we provide can cover a radius of up to 1 hour from home and also regionally and nationally if preferred and can provide quotes for these shortlist options on a personalised basis.
Our bespoke shortlist of relevant settings 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 so we will have spoken with the schools on the shortlist to ensure that we are providing up to date views on availability and likelihood of admission.
Armed with our shortlist families can then review and visit schools in order to make their own decision about the next steps.
“The shortlisted educational settings were spot on for us and enabled us to focus on deciding as a family which are going to be the best for our child rather than spending hours and hours researching, scrolling and calling around.”
Parent of learner with complex learning and mental health support needs
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.
“We had spent so much time looking for schools and it felt impossible to know which way to go. It was such a relief to have help and work from a list of screened schools and this meant we had more time to work on getting EHCP funding and other support in place.”
Parent of an autistic learner
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 may be in person or via Skype, Microsoft Teams, or FaceTime.
Follow up
We will stay in touch with families after the shortlist report and can provide further support on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Cost
We provide personalised pricing for each search and can support larger search areas including national and regional searches if needed. We also take into account whether there are elements that the family has already covered so make sure we are working on what is needed.
Payment
Payment is upfront upon completion of the booking form/questionnaire.
Timeframe
This educational setting review typically takes 6 weeks from the first family consultation during term times.
Booking
You can book by completing the search questionnaire.
Get in touch
Find out more about how we can support your needs