Admissions & Referrals

EHCP‑led placements for 11–18s with SEMH/SEND needs. Referrals via your Local Authority.

We offer day placements (capacity: 40 places) with animal‑assisted learning, horticulture and work experience.

Parents/carers are welcome to visit, but we can only proceed with admissions through a Local Authority consultation and EHCP naming.

Who we help

Ages 11–18

Secondary-aged pupils only.

EHCP naming Changing Lives

Placements are Local Authority funded via the EHCP.

SEMH/SEND focus

We support anxiety, EBSA, ASD, ADHD and related needs.

LA referral only

We cannot accept privately funded placements.

Not suitable: We’re not equipped for high-dependency medical/physical care.

How admissions works

1. Talk to your Local Authority

Ask your LA to consult us and name Changing Lives in the EHCP (Section I).

2. LA consults with us

We review the EHCP and confirm if we can meet needs and cohort fit.

3. LA decides & names us

If suitable, the LA names Changing Lives in the EHCP and agrees funding.

4. Transition & start

We plan a calm transition and agree the start date with you.

Detailed admissions guide

  • EHCP naming explained: Your LA considers needs in Sections B, F and I, consults us, and decides whether to name Changing Lives.

  • What information is shared: EHCP, recent reports (EP/OT/CAMHS), attendance and safeguarding context. Families can also share updates via the LA.

  • Suitability & capacity: We confirm if we can meet needs and whether we have a suitable cohort/place available.

  • Transition: A calm plan with visits, start date and early review.

  • Funding & transport: Arranged by your LA once we are named (eligibility varies by LA).

  • Out-of-area placements: Your home LA leads consultation even if you live outside Trafford.

  • If not named: Parents/carers can appeal to the First‑tier Tribunal (SEN & Disability).

Find your local council

Funding (and, where eligible, transport) are arranged by your Local Authority when we are named in the EHCP.

If we aren’t named in the EHCP

Parents/carers can appeal to the First‑tier Tribunal (SEN & Disability). We will remain transparent and supportive throughout.

We’ll help with:

  • Clarifying how we meet needs and what provision looks like.

  • Providing information to your LA during consultation.

  • Planning a calm transition if we are later named.

Local Authority contacts

  • Trafford City Council Admissions: 0161 912 5007

  • If you live outside Trafford, please contact your home Local Authority.

Find your local council (GOV.UK)

Visit us

See our calm learning spaces and animal‑assisted programmes. Please pre‑book so we can plan a smooth arrival.

Useful documents

 Admissions Arrangements

At Changing Lives Independent School, we provide a specialist education for young people aged 11-18 who require a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment tailored to their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We offer 40 day placements for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ensuring they receive holistic, applied learning experiences to support their personal and academic growth.

  • ✅ Students aged 11-18 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) naming Changing Lives Independent School.
    ✅ Students whose needs align with our specialist curriculum, including animal care, horticulture, and real-world work experience.
    ✅ Placements are only available through Local Authority (LA) referrals—we cannot accept privately funded placements.

  • 📌 Step 1: Speak to your Local Authority (LA) about naming Changing Lives Independent School in your child’s EHCP.
    📌 Step 2: The LA will consult with the school, and we will assess whether we can meet the student’s needs.
    📌 Step 3: If the placement is suitable, the LA makes the final decision and formally names us in the EHCP.
    📌 Step 4: The admissions process is completed, and the student can start their journey with us.

    Important: While parents are welcome to visit the school, we can only proceed with admissions through an LA referral. If you believe our school would be a good fit for your child, please contact your local authority and request our school to be named in the EHCP.

    📞 For more information, contact:

    • Trafford City Council Admissions: 0161 912 5007

    • If you reside outside Trafford, please contact your local authority admissions team.

  • If the Local Authority does not agree to name Changing Lives Independent School in an EHCP, parents have the right to appeal through the First-tier Tribunal (SEN & Disability).

    As a school, we will adhere to the LA’s final decision while ensuring we remain transparent and supportive throughout the process.

  • We understand that transitioning to a new school is a significant decision. At Changing Lives, we maintain:
    🔹 Open and regular communication with parents, carers, and advocates.
    🔹 Respect for confidentiality regarding all placement discussions.
    🔹 Close collaboration with Local Authorities to keep all parties informed.

    For any further inquiries, please contact your local authority or speak to Trafford Admissions at 0161 912 5007.