Initial conversation
Families, schools, local authorities or professionals can get in touch if the offer may be relevant. We can then arrange a phone or online conversation.
Referrals
A careful, person-centred referral process.
Every young person is different, so we take time to understand whether EmpowerEd North is likely to be a good fit before a placement is offered, including the learner's age/status, education arrangements and proposed attendance pattern.
Referral process
Building a picture
We listen to the people who know the young person well and review information such as age/status, EHCP outcomes where relevant, current education arrangements, support plans, communication needs, sensory profile and risk information.
Visit, observation or taster
Where helpful, we may arrange a visit, observation or carefully planned taster session to understand strengths, support needs and what helps the learner feel safe.
Suitability discussion
We consider whether EmpowerEd North can offer a positive, safe and meaningful experience. If we cannot meet need, we will explain this clearly.
Transition plan
If a placement is agreed, we plan the start carefully with the family, school, local authority or other commissioner. Where the aim is transition to another setting or opportunity, we can also work with the accepting provider so support is understood from the beginning.
Considering suitability
We only offer support where we believe it can be safe and meaningful.
EmpowerEd North considers each referral carefully. We will only offer a placement where we believe we can safely and meaningfully meet the young person’s needs.
This includes considering the learner’s age/status, whether they are of compulsory school age, current education arrangements, proposed total hours, communication profile, sensory needs, emotional regulation, health and medical needs, staffing requirements, venue suitability, insurance and any known risks.
When it may not be suitable
EmpowerEd North may not be suitable where a young person requires a level of medical, personal care, behavioural or environmental support that cannot be safely provided within the agreed staffing, venue or commissioning arrangements. Where we do not believe we can meet need safely, we will explain this clearly.
Before a learner starts
Before a learner starts, everyone needs to be clear about the practical arrangements. This helps the placement feel calmer and safer from the beginning.
- The attendance days, times, location and staffing are agreed.
- For compulsory school-age learners, the placement is normally part-time and agreed with the commissioning school or local authority.
- Emergency contacts, medical information and consents are in place.
- Risk assessment and transition planning are completed.
- Attendance updates, safeguarding routes and review arrangements are clear.
What happens next
A brief initial enquiry is enough to start the conversation. If the provision may be relevant, we will explain the next steps clearly.