Admissions & Referrals
EHCP-led placements for 11–18s with SEMH/SEND needs. Referrals via your Local Authority.
Book a VisitWe 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
Our specialist provision supports young people with specific needs and circumstances
Ages 11–18
Secondary-aged pupils only. We support students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
EHCP Naming Changing Lives
Placements are Local Authority funded via the EHCP. We must be named in Section I.
Specialist Curriculum
Students whose needs align with our curriculum: animal care, horticulture, and real-world work experience.
SEMH/SEND Focus
We support anxiety, EBSA, ASD, ADHD and related needs with specialist provision.
LA Referral Only
We cannot accept privately funded placements. All referrals must come through your Local Authority.
Not Suitable
We're not equipped for high-dependency medical or physical care needs. Please discuss suitability with your LA.
How Admissions Works
A simple four-step process led by your Local Authority
Talk to Your Local Authority
Ask your LA to consult us and name Changing Lives in the EHCP (Section I).
LA Consults With Us
We review the EHCP and confirm if we can meet needs and cohort fit.
LA Decides & Names Us
If suitable, the LA names Changing Lives in the EHCP and agrees funding.
Transition & Start
We plan a calm transition and agree the start date with you.
Detailed Admissions Guide
Everything you need to know about the admissions process
Your LA considers needs in Sections B, F and I, consults us, and decides whether to name Changing Lives. The EHCP must formally name our school in Section I for a placement to proceed.
EHCP, recent reports (EP/OT/CAMHS), attendance and safeguarding context. Families can also share updates via the LA to help us understand your child's needs.
We confirm if we can meet needs and whether we have a suitable cohort and place available. Our capacity is 40 day placements.
A calm plan with visits, agreed start date and early review. We work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition into our school.
Arranged by your LA once we are named in the EHCP. Transport eligibility varies by LA policy.
Your home LA leads consultation even if you live outside Trafford. The process is the same regardless of which Local Authority you are under.
If We Aren't Named
Parents/carers can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEN & Disability). We will remain transparent and supportive throughout.
- 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.
Communication & Confidentiality
We understand that transitioning to a new school is a significant decision. At Changing Lives, we maintain:
Open Communication
Regular updates with parents, carers, and advocates throughout the process.
Confidentiality
Respect for privacy regarding all placement discussions and sensitive information.
LA Collaboration
Close partnership with Local Authorities to keep all parties fully informed.
Useful Documents
Visit Us
See our calm learning spaces and animal-assisted programmes. Please pre-book so we can plan a smooth arrival.