Tel: 01935 421295
Admissions
We offer you a supportive admissions process, focused on finding the right fit for your young person.
Fairmead is a specialist school for young people with autism and/or moderate learning difficulties, aged 4-16. Admissions are managed through the Assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or the Annual review of the EHCP with your Local Authority.
Is Fairmead right for my young person?
We support young people with an EHCP:
✔ who have autism and/or moderate learning difficulties
✔ who will benefit from smaller classes and structured support and/or higher adult ratios.
✔ who need support with social communication and speech ,language and social communication.
✔ who are working significantly below age-related expectations across all areas of the curriculum.
✔ who will thrive with practical, experiential life-based learning to support with the preparation to an external post 16 pathway of education, training or employment.
We may not always be the right placement for young people whose primary needs require a different specialist provision. Our team is happy to talk this through with you.
The Admissions Journey
A step-by-step guide - from EHCP to Fairmead
1
EHCP Assessment or Annual Review Process
Your Local authority has either agreed to issue an EHCP following an assessment or the current EHCP is being reviewed via the annual review process. If you are moving areas, please inform your new Local Authority about the move.
2
Visit Fairmead
You can book to visit the school here: Visit Us
These visits are available once a month at 3:55pm and you will be shown around in a small group with a member of SLT within a primary or secondary cohort.
3
Express a preference
You can request Fairmead as a preferred setting when discussing placement options with your Local Authority either via the Assessment or Annual Review Process of the EHCP.
4
Consultation
Your Local Authority will send either the draft EHCP or the amendment notice and associated paperwork to Fairmead school. We will review the paperwork and respond to the Local Authority within timescales.
5
Decision
The Local Authority decides whether Fairmead School is named in Section I of your young person’s EHCP and will inform you directly of this decision.
If a placement at Fairmead School is agreed the Local Authority will issue a final /final amended EHCP naming us in section I.
6
Transition planning
Once Fairmead is in receipt of the Final EHCP naming us in section I we will be in contact to arrange a transition meeting with yourselves, and any other relevant professionals to ensure a smooth transition into school.
Useful Information
We are delighted that you are interested in joining our school community. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we hope the information below will help you learn more about life at our school and guide you with any support required through the admissions process.
Find out more about Fairmead
If you would like to learn more about Fairmead, our friendly team is here to help. We are happy to answer your questions, provide further information about our school, and discuss your young person's individual needs.
Our catchment area covers South Somerset and parts of Dorset and looks something similar to this...
Support with navigating admissions
If you are seeking support with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or applying for a school place, we are here to help but there are also a range of services available to guide you through the process. Whether you are just beginning to understand your options or need help with an ongoing application, the following organisations can offer advice, information and practical support to help you make informed decisions for your young person.
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Your young person’s current school / SENCO
It’s usually really helpful to speak to the school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
• They can support evidence gathering
• They may also submit an EHCP request themselves
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Somerset Council – SEND Team
This is the main local authority team responsible for EHCPs, assessments, and naming special schools.
They handle:
• Requests for EHCP needs assessments
• EHCP reviews and amendments
• Placement in special schools (Section I of EHCP)
Phone: 0300 123 2224

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Dorset Council - SEND Team
Phone: 01305 221066
email: familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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SEND Tribunal
If you'd like to appeal or need help:
Email: send@justice.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 303 5857 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
They can:
• Help with forms
• Explain the process
• Fix technical issues
But they cannot give legal advice
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The Information, Advice and Support Services Network
Impartial information, advice and support for SEN young people
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SENDIAS (Independent Advice Service)
This is a free, impartial support service for parents/carers. They are often the best starting point if you feel unsure or stuck.
They can help you:
• Understand EHCP eligibility
• Check your paperwork before you submit it
• Support you through appeals or disagreements
• Explain your rights in plain English
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IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
If things become complex or you need stronger legal-style guidance:
• Free legal information on SEND law
• Template letters and EHCP guidance
• Help with appeals and refusals
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SOSSEN (parent helpline)
SOS!SEN has been supporting families for more than 20 years to help them secure the right special educational provision for young people with SEND.