Please see the referral information for access to the PLC referral form.
Admission criteria for the Pathways Learning Centre?
As a specialist provision, PLC can only be accessed in exceptional circumstances.
PLC delivers education, pastoral and therapeutic support for children and young people who are unable to attend a mainstream school for significant reasons, such as significant medical needs, or as a result of permanent exclusion, or for those with an EHCP, and who may require a more tailored specialist curriculum, or therapeutic support. Please note, there are slightly different admissions criteria for South Glos pupils and Bristol pupils.
Bristol LA student placements
Bristol children with EHCPs are referred directly to PLC by the Bristol SEND team via the consultation process. All consults must be sent to the admissions@pathwayslearningcentre.org email address.
South Glos LA student placements
Children who are residents of South Glos, can be referred by the home school, or via supporting medical professionals, such as CAMHS or paediatricians. All referrals are first considered by the South Glos Section 19 Panel. Where agreed, the Section 19 Panel then request a placement at PLC. In some cases, South Glos may offer an alternative to PLC, such as an on-line learning provider.
Not all pupils with medical needs, or Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) will be eligible for a placement at PLC. For example, pupils with attendance difficulties, or medical needs that can be supported by their home school with reasonable adjustments; should continue to be supported by their school, using a support plan, such as an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP). However, where there is a significant need, referrals should be sent to educationreferrals@southglos.gov.uk
PLC typically supports students on a short term basis, recognising that in most cases it is in the child / young person’s best interests to return to mainstream as soon as possible. In some cases, particularly in KS4, or those with EHCPs named to PLC, pupils complete their education at PLC and we support them in successfully transitioning to Post 16.
