Referrals
Alternative Provision is intended to be temporary, supporting pupils to re-engage with education and, where appropriate, move back into a mainstream or specialist school setting.
There are different routes into Ely Classrooms. Parents and carers, schools and local authority teams are all welcome to contact us to discuss a possible placement.
Parents and Carers
Most of our pupils are referred through local authority or school-funded arrangements, but families often find Ely Classrooms themselves. Parents and carers whose young person may be eligible for funded Alternative Provision are welcome to contact us directly to discuss whether Ely Classrooms could be a suitable placement.
For pupils with an EHCP, families can then discuss a placement with their local authority caseworker. Parents considering Ely Classrooms as part of an EOTAS package can also approach us directly.
Schools
Local Authority
We work with different local authority teams depending on the pupil and the route into provision.
Education Inclusion Officers (EIOs) work with schools and may contact us directly about a pupil or recommend Ely Classrooms as a possible placement.
For pupils with an EHCP, local authority caseworkers can contact us about a placement.
Cambridgeshire Children’s Commissioning may also put placements out to tender to approved providers or contact us directly where they believe Ely Classrooms could be a suitable fit.
Before a Placement Begins
Every pupil visits Ely Classrooms before a placement is agreed. This gives them the chance to meet us and see the setting, while we make sure we can meet their needs and that the provision is a good fit.
Once a placement is agreed, we work with the family, school and/or local authority to put the pupil’s timetable in place.