Entry into our Designated Special Provision (DSP) is thorough a Local Authority Consultation process. 

Children must have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to be given a place in Northwood DSP. 

The following process takes place:

1) Consultation paperwork is sent to school by the Local Authority SEND team and school professionals (Deputy Headteacher/SENCO and Headteacher) decide if we can meet need and offer a place. 

2) Once consultations are received, we endeavour to visit the children to see them in their current setting and help us to get an idea of their needs and how we may / may not be able to meet need. 

3) If we feel we cannot meet need then we reply to the Local Authority SEND team to explain the reasons why we cannot admit a child and why we cannot make any adjustments to admit that child. 

4) If we feel that we can meet need then we reply to the Local Authority SEND team to explain the reasons why. Parents and the LA Send team then make a decision about which setting to name for their child and places are allocated and named on the child's EHCP. 

5) If Northwood DSP is named on an EHCP, we will arrange a start date for your child and begin a transition process in full consultation with the family and current school. Transition is fully personalised to the needs of each child. 

Attending our mainstream school does NOT give you a greater chance of getting a place in the DSP. Consultations come from schools across Knowsley and places are allocated at Northwood DSP on the basis of need, not whether they already attend Northwood Primary mainstream school.