Referral Policy

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to providing a safe, supportive and appropriate provision for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24 with SEMH needs, autism, anxiety, EBSA, additional learning needs and barriers to education, employment or training.

The organisation recognises the importance of a clear, fair and transparent referral process to ensure placements are appropriate, safe and capable of meeting the needs of each young person effectively.

Referrals are considered carefully to ensure:

  • The provision can meet the young person’s needs safely and appropriately.
  • Placement decisions are person centred and outcome focused.
  • Safeguarding and wellbeing remain central to all decisions.
  • Young people are supported to access positive and meaningful pathways.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Outline the referral and admissions process.
  • Ensure referrals are managed fairly and consistently.
  • Clarify the information required before placement decisions are made.
  • Ensure placements are appropriate, safe and beneficial for all parties.
  • Promote effective partnership working with commissioners, families and professionals.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Local Authorities
  • Schools and colleges
  • SENCOs
  • SEND teams
  • Social care professionals
  • Careers services
  • Parents/carers
  • Other referring agencies

The policy relates to referrals for:

  • Short term intervention programmes
  • Employability support
  • Supported internships
  • Community based learning
  • SEMH support programmes
  • Alternative provision pathways
  • Preparation for adulthood programmes

3. Referral Criteria

Beyond Barriers CIC supports young people aged 16 to 24 who may:

  • Have SEMH needs
  • Be autistic or neurodivergent
  • Experience anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance
  • Be at risk of becoming NEET
  • Be currently NEET
  • Require employability and independence support
  • Require supported internship opportunities
  • Have experienced disrupted education
  • Require a smaller, more personalised environment
  • Benefit from trauma informed and relationship based support

The organisation will consider referrals where needs can be met safely and appropriately within available staffing, expertise and resources.

4. Referral Process

Referrals may be made by:

  • Worcestershire County Council
  • Schools or colleges
  • SENCOs
  • Social care teams
  • Careers advisers
  • Parents/carers
  • Other professionals

Referrals should include:

  • Referral form
  • EHCP documentation where applicable
  • Risk assessments
  • Safeguarding information
  • Attendance information
  • Behaviour support information
  • Medical information relevant to placement
  • Educational reports and assessments
  • Current support arrangements

Incomplete referrals may delay decision making.

5. Initial Review

Following receipt of referral information:

  • The Directors will review documentation.
  • Initial discussions may take place with commissioners, families and professionals.
  • Safeguarding and risk factors will be considered.
  • Suitability of provision and staffing will be assessed.
  • The organisation may request additional information where necessary before a decision is made.

6. Assessment and Consultation

Where appropriate, Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC may arrange:

  • Initial meetings
  • Visits
  • Consultation discussions
  • Transition planning
  • Baseline assessments

The views of the young person, parents/carers, commissioners and professionals will be considered throughout the process.

The organisation recognises the importance of relationship building and gradual transition for many vulnerable learners.

7. Placement Decisions

Placement decisions will consider:

  • Whether the provision can meet the young person’s needs safely.
  • Compatibility with existing learners and provision.
  • Staffing levels and expertise.
  • Safeguarding and risk considerations.
  • Intended outcomes and progression pathways.

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC reserves the right to decline referrals where:

  • Needs cannot be met safely or appropriately.
  • Risk levels exceed available staffing or provision arrangements.
  • The placement would significantly impact the safety or wellbeing of others.

All decisions will be made fairly, professionally and in the best interests of the young person and wider provision community.

8. Transition and Induction

Where placements are agreed:

  • Transition arrangements will be planned collaboratively.
  • Individual timetables and support plans will be developed.
  • Risk assessments will be completed where required.
  • Young people and families will receive information regarding expectations, safeguarding and support arrangements.

The organisation recognises that some learners may require phased or gradual transition approaches.

9. Emergency or Short Notice Referrals

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC understands that some referrals may be urgent due to:

  • Placement breakdown
  • Exclusion
  • Mental health concerns
  • Risk of NEET
  • Safeguarding concerns

Where possible, referrals will still follow appropriate consultation and safeguarding procedures before placement begins. The organisation will not accept emergency placements where safety and suitability cannot be assured.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Referral information will be:

  • Stored securely
  • Managed confidentially
  • Shared on a need to know basis
  • Processed in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements

Information may be shared with:

  • Commissioners
  • Safeguarding agencies
  • Employers and placement providers where appropriate
  • External professionals involved in supporting the young person

Safeguarding concerns may be shared without consent where there is risk of harm.

11. Funding and Placement Agreements

Placements will normally require:

  • Agreed funding arrangements
  • Placement agreements
  • Service level agreements where applicable

The organisation will provide:

  • Costings
  • Timetables
  • Programme information
  • Review arrangements

Funding and placement arrangements must be agreed before placement begins unless otherwise authorised by management.

12. Reviews and Ongoing Suitability

Placements will be reviewed regularly to:

  • Monitor progress and wellbeing
  • Review EHCP outcomes where applicable
  • Assess engagement and attendance
  • Review safeguarding and risk arrangements
  • Support progression planning

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC reserves the right to review placement suitability where:

  • Risk levels change significantly
  • Safeguarding concerns arise
  • The provision can no longer meet need safely

The organisation will work collaboratively with commissioners and families wherever possible to support positive outcomes.

13. Equality and Inclusion

Referral decisions will not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of:

  • Disability
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender reassignment
  • Socioeconomic background

Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support accessibility and inclusion.

14. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

  • Legislation changes
  • Operational changes occur
  • Referral processes require updating
  • Safeguarding or quality assurance reviews identify changes

The organisation is committed to maintaining fair, transparent and person centred referral arrangements.

Related Policies

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
  • Attendance Policy
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
  • Behaviour & SEMH Policy
  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy

Policy Information

  • Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC Directors
  • Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
  • Review Frequency: Annually
  • Date Approved: June 2026
  • Review Date: June 2027