Joining Us
At The Keystone Centre, we strongly encourage families to take part in what we call ‘Discovery Days’ — an important part of our personalised transition process. We typically recommend up to three Discovery Days before a pupil officially joins us. These visits offer a gentle introduction to our environment, allowing your child to meet staff, explore the setting, and get a feel for our calm and supportive approach.
Discovery Days are not just about assessment — they’re about connection. They help us understand your child’s individual needs and interests, while giving them the chance to see whether The Keystone Centre feels like the right fit. Above all, we want every young person to feel happy, safe, and confident about their next steps.
We aim to make our admissions process as clear, supportive, and collaborative as possible. Each step is designed to ensure that The Keystone Centre is the right environment for your child and that we can meet their individual needs effectively.
Our Joining Process
Step 1: Initial Enquiry or Referral
Families, local authorities, or professionals (e.g. SENCOs, social workers) can contact us directly to discuss a potential placement. We welcome informal conversations to help determine suitability before a formal referral is made.
Contact our team via phone or email Provide a brief overview of the young person’s needs We will send our Admissions Pack for review
Step 2: Review of EHCP and Supporting Documents
We request and review the following:
The child or young person’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Recent Annual Reviews, professional reports, and risk assessments
Any relevant information from previous educational settings or professionals involved
Our admissions panel assesses whether the pupil’s needs align with our provision and whether we can offer appropriate support.
Step 3: Discovery Days
If the referral is considered suitable, we will invite the young person to attend up to three Discovery Days. These visits provide an opportunity to:
Experience the school environment
Meet staff and other pupils
Take part in tailored activities
Allow us to assess how we can best support their transition
We encourage parents/carers to visit too and share their insights.
Step 4: Placement Decision
Following Discovery Days, we will:
Gather feedback from staff, the young person, and family
Finalise whether we are the right setting to meet their needs
Confirm whether we can offer a place
If a placement is agreed, we will issue a formal offer and work closely with the local authority (where applicable).
Step 5: Transition and Induction
Once a place is accepted:
A personalised transition plan is created
The young person is introduced to their key staff and class group
A start date is agreed
Staff begin working on an Individual Pupil Support Plan (PSP) and risk assessment to ensure a smooth start
Step 6: Ongoing Review and Support
We closely monitor every new pupil’s progress during their settling-in period. Regular contact with families and professionals ensures transparency, early intervention, and a joined-up approach.