Last Updated – 28/08/26
(Annually Reviewed)
At One Nation Studios, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to belong, to be understood, and to thrive. Our admissions process reflects our commitment to equity, compassion and inclusion — ensuring that each student’s story, strengths and needs are recognised from the moment we first meet them.
We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we work closely with Local Authorities, parents, carers and professionals to ensure that placements are fair, transparent, and based on need rather than circumstance.
This policy complies with the Education Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998, Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice (2024).
2. Purpose and Vision
2.1 Purpose
This policy sets out how One Nation Studios manages referrals and admissions in a way that is fair, person-centred and transparent. It defines how we work with Local Authorities, commissioners, and families to ensure every student is placed appropriately and supported from day one.
2.2 Vision
Our vision is to shape our provision around the young people who need it most. We believe in creating pathways for those who have been marginalised or misunderstood, offering structure, connection and the opportunity to rebuild trust in learning.
3. Our Admissions Ethos and Priorities
One Nation Studios exists to serve young people who are most in need of understanding, stability and care.
We actively prioritise admissions for students who:
• Have complex or intersecting needs.
• Have experienced trauma, exclusion or school refusal.
• Are involved with social care or social justice systems.
• Lack consistent advocacy or family support.
• Face systemic disadvantage linked to deprivation, discrimination or instability.
Our commitment is to redress that imbalance for young people who are often overlooked. Our approach is rooted in equity, not just equality: fairness means meeting students where they are, not where the system expects them to be. By working in partnership with families and Local Authorities, we ensure that referrals are based on need and potential.
4. Admissions Priorities and Criteria
One Nation Studios welcomes referrals for all students for whom our provision may be suitable. Each case is considered individually, based on need, capacity, and the likelihood that we can make a meaningful difference.
To ensure equity and social responsibility, priority consideration is given to young people with the highest levels of vulnerability, including:
• Children who are looked after or previously looked after.
• Young people known to Children’s Services.
• Those involved in, or at risk of, the social justice system.
• Students identified as at risk of exploitation (including criminal or sexual exploitation). • Students with known safeguarding risks or multi-agency involvement.
This prioritisation reflects our duty to serve those most at risk of being left behind. Referrals outside these categories are always considered, and no student is refused based on background, identity or circumstance.
5. Scope
This policy applies to:
• All referrals and admissions across One Nation Studios.
• All staff, trustees, parents, carers and commissioners involved in these processes.
It should be read alongside:
• Safeguarding Policy
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Comments & Complaints Procedure
• GDPR
One Nation Studios welcomes students for whom English is an Additional Language and will provide support to ensure equitable access to learning.
While education is secular, our ethos is grounded in Christian values of compassion, respect and service, which underpin our inclusive culture.
6. Aims
One Nation Studiso aims to:
• Provide fair, transparent and compassionate admissions procedures. • Prioritise students with complex needs who may otherwise be overlooked. • Work collaboratively with Local Authorities and other agencies.
• Handle referrals sensitively, confidentially and promptly.
• Build positive relationships with families and carers from the outset. • Provide a structured, nurturing induction process that supports engagement and belonging.
• Uphold equality of access and eliminate discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. • Monitor admissions data to identify and address inequities.
7. Principles
7.1 Fairness and Transparency
All admissions decisions are made based on need and suitability. If a referral cannot be accepted, One Nation Studios will always provide clear reasons and, where possible, signpost to alternative support.
7.2 Collaborative Decision-Making
We work closely with Local Authorities, health and social care partners, and families to ensure decisions are well-informed and appropriate. Pre-referral conversations are welcomed, and all decisions are approved by the CEO or a delegated senior leader.
7.3 Prioritising Vulnerable Students
We give precedence to students experiencing crisis, instability or unmet need, and to those without consistent advocacy or representation. Our approach seeks to balance inequity in access rather than reinforce it.
7.4 Step-by-Step Admissions and Induction Process One Nation Studiso follows two principal pathways for admission: the SENDAR Pathway and the Alternative Provision Pathway.
The SENDAR Pathway (for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan): 1. A Request to Consult is received from the Local Authority SENDAR team. 2. The Leadership Team reviews the EHCP, determines capacity and suitability, and requests any further information needed.
3. Where appropriate, a visit is arranged with the student and their parent or carer.
4. If suitable, a conditional offer is issued, pending Local Authority panel confirmation.
5. Once confirmed, the Centre Leader contacts the family to discuss transition and key and where appropriate visits the home to begin the induction process.
6. The student begins a phased transition, supported by key staff and a tailored induction plan.
7. Baseline academic and wellbeing assessments are completed, and a wellbeing plan and individual learning profile are established within the first two weeks.
The Alternative Provision (AP) Pathway (for part-time or short-term placements):
1. A commissioner makes an enquiry, supported by a Learner Information Form and relevant risk assessments.
2. Capacity and suitability are reviewed by the Leadership Team and the Centre Lead.
3. A provisional offer is held for eight working days, subject to receipt of all required documentation.
4. A pre-admission meeting takes place with the student, family and commissioner to discuss expectations, triggers and goals.
5. A formal agreement is made, and the student begins a supported transition.
6. Induction follows the same model as the SENDAR process, with baseline assessments and a wellbeing plan in place within two weeks.
7.5 Information and Confidentiality
All information is handled securely and shared only with relevant staff in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. We respect every young person’s right to dignity, privacy and autonomy.
7.6 Equity and Inclusion
Admissions data is reviewed annually to monitor representation and identify barriers to access. Staff involved in admissions receive equality and inclusion training to ensure consistent, bias aware practice.
8. Roles and Responsibilities
CEO
• Holds overall accountability for implementation, fairness and compliance.
• Approves all admissions and oversees demographic monitoring.
Core Team
• Reviews referral trends and develops targeted outreach.
• Liaises with Local Authorities and commissioners to promote equitable access.
Head of SEND / Centre Leads
• Coordinate communication, visits and induction arrangements.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure a smooth transition for every student.
Teaching and Support Staff
• Welcome new students, assist with induction activities and provide early feedback.
Parents and Carers
• Partner with Arise Education through open communication, honesty and shared responsibility for each student’s success.
9. Monitoring and Review
• The CEO and Core Team review admissions data termly, analysing referral patterns, demographics and outcomes.
• Any appeals or concerns regarding admissions decisions will be managed under the Comments & Complaints Procedure.
• This policy is reviewed every year, or earlier if statutory guidance changes.
10. Useful References
• Education Act 1996
• Equality Act 2010
• SEND Code of Practice (2024)
• Children and Families Act 2014
• Human Rights Act 1998
• DfE: Alternative Provision – Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities (2023) • Arise Policies: Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, SEND, Maintaining a Safe Environment, Relationships and Praise
At One Nation Studios, we open doors for those who’ve found too many closed, ensuring every young person has a place to belong and a future to build.