Making a Referral

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Referrals to Proud to Be Me CIC can be made for young people who need an alternative or more personalised approach to education, including those who are struggling to access their current setting, are out of education, require Alternative Provision, or need additional support to progress towards adulthood, further education or employment.

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Which Pathway?

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When making a referral, we will work with the referrer, young person and their parent or carer to identify the most appropriate pathway based on their age, needs, current education, abilities and intended outcomes.

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Future Pathways

Our specialist Alternative Provision and Preparation for Adulthood pathway for young people aged 14–19, and up to 25 with SEND. It combines accredited learning, our creative arts-embedded Reflections Curriculum, vocational experiences, personal development and individual progression planning. This pathway is designed for young people who need a smaller, personalised and relationship-based learning environment and a structured education programme.

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Work Experience & Employability Pathway

Our supported pathway for older young people with SEND who may not be suited to a traditional qualification route but can benefit from practical learning and meaningful experience in the workplace. Young people combine supported work experience with accredited units, developing communication, employability, independence, confidence and practical skills in preparation for adulthood and their next steps.

Young people do not always need to know which pathway is right for them before a referral is made. Our team can assess the referral and help identify the most appropriate option.

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How Referrals Work

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Formal referrals and funded placements are usually commissioned by the organisation or Local Authority responsible for the young person’s education. This may include a school, Alternative Provision, college or Local Authority education/SEND team, depending on the young person’s circumstances.

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Young people can be referred with or without an EHCP. Where an EHCP is in place, our provision may be considered as part of the young person’s identified needs, outcomes and education planning. Parents, carers and young people should be involved in discussions about what provision is appropriate and can ask for Proud to Be Me CIC to be considered.

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Once a referral is received, we review the young person’s needs, current circumstances and intended outcomes. We liaise with the referrer, young person and family, arrange a visit or consultation where appropriate, and identify the most suitable pathway. Where a placement is agreed, the commissioner will confirm the programme, attendance pattern, funding and start date with us.

 

Parents & Carers – Interested in Proud to Be Me?

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You can contact us directly, even if you are not sure who is currently responsible for arranging your young person’s education or how the referral process works.

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If your young person is out of education, struggling to attend or engage with their current setting, has SEND, has or is awaiting an EHCP, or you believe they would benefit from one of our specialist pathways, get in touch and tell us a little about their circumstances.

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We can help you understand the likely referral route and who you need to approach to request that Proud to Be Me CIC is considered. Depending on the young person’s circumstances, this could be their school or SENCO, current Alternative Provision or college, the Local Authority SEND/EHCP team, or another Local Authority education service.

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Parents and carers have an important voice in decisions about their young person’s education and can request that our provision is considered. The final decision about a publicly funded placement will sit with the organisation or Local Authority responsible for commissioning the young person’s education.

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Not sure where to start? Contact us. We can help you identify who you need to speak to and what to ask for.