Families can
Explore the school, speak with Admissions and share their preference with their EHCP team.
Explore a Local Authority-funded place at Orange Tree School
A clear guide for parents and carers exploring a small, therapeutic school placement through an Education, Health and Care Plan. Start an admissions enquiry
A clear starting point
You can talk to us while exploring the right provision
An initial conversation or school visit can help you understand the provision, but it is not a placement offer or funding decision. See how the process works.
The Local Authority
Manages the statutory process, consultation and funding decision.
Orange Tree
Reviews the consultation carefully and decides whether it can meet the pupil's needs.
Working with families and Local Authorities
Each consultation is considered individually against the pupil's strengths, needs, required provision and Education, Health and Care Plan outcomes. Authority marks identify Local Authorities through which pupils have previously or currently been placed; they do not imply endorsement. Confirm the operational age range; whether consultation may begin with a draft EHCP; year-round admissions wording; Local Authority placement history and logo-display permission; and the preferred inspection wording/link. Maintain the current non-Section 41 wording and Local Authority-only transport wording.
A small, therapeutic setting
Could Orange Tree be right for your child?
Orange Tree supports children and young people who may find a large mainstream environment overwhelming and who need a calm, relational and highly personalised approach to learning.
Emotional safety
A predictable environment and trusted adult relationships that reduce anxiety and help pupils re-engage.
Personalised learning
Teaching and curriculum planning shaped around strengths, needs, aspirations and EHCP outcomes.
Integrated support
Educational, pastoral and therapeutic teams working together throughout the school day.
Belonging and progress
A small community that supports communication, confidence, independence and academic achievement.
Suitability is considered individually from the EHCP and supporting evidence. A diagnosis alone does not determine whether a placement is appropriate.
Step by step
How a Local Authority-funded placement works
Discover
Learn about Orange Tree's provision and consider whether the environment may suit your child.
Enquire
Contact our Admissions team to ask questions and, where appropriate, discuss a visit.
Speak with your EHCP team
Tell your Local Authority that you would like Orange Tree to be considered as part of the EHCP placement process.
Formal consultation
The Local Authority sends Orange Tree the EHCP and relevant supporting information.
Review and meet
Orange Tree reviews the information and may invite the pupil and family to visit or take part in appropriate assessment or taster activity.
Decision and transition
If Orange Tree confirms that it can meet need and the Local Authority agrees the placement and funding, transition planning can begin.
Contacting or visiting Orange Tree does not guarantee a place. Admission depends on the formal consultation, suitability review and Local Authority decision.
Placement experience
London Borough of Barnet
Visit the official website
London Borough of Camden
Visit the official website
London Borough of Ealing
Visit the official website
London Borough of Enfield
Visit the official website
London Borough of Hackney
Visit the official website
London Borough of Haringey
Visit the official website
London Borough of Harrow
Visit the official website
Hertfordshire County Council
Visit the official website
London Borough of Islington
Visit the official website
Why Orange Tree
Therapeutic education that helps pupils feel safe enough to learn
Small and nurturing
A calm environment where staff know each pupil well.
Therapeutic throughout the day
Support embedded across teaching, pastoral care and specialist intervention.
Ambitious and individual
Personalised routes that value academic progress, confidence and preparation for life.
A trusted provision
Read the school's current official inspection evidence.
Common questions
What parents and carers often ask
Can I contact Orange Tree directly?
Yes. Families are welcome to make an enquiry and learn about the school. The formal placement process must still be managed through the Local Authority and the EHCP process.
Does my child need an EHCP?
A Local Authority-funded placement requires the appropriate EHCP and formal consultation route. The final wording must reflect the confirmed admissions rule regarding draft plans.
Can Orange Tree approve the funding?
No. Orange Tree can assess whether it may be able to meet a pupil's needs. The Local Authority makes the placement and funding decision.
Does a visit mean my child has been offered a place?
No. A visit or conversation helps families and the school learn more, but it is not a formal offer.
Can a pupil join during the school year?
Use the confirmed year-round admissions wording before publication.
Who arranges school transport?
Transport eligibility and arrangements are considered by the relevant Local Authority under its own policy.
What information does Orange Tree review?
The EHCP and relevant educational, clinical, attendance, safeguarding and professional information needed to understand the pupil's strengths, needs and required provision.
What happens if Orange Tree cannot meet need?
Orange Tree responds to the Local Authority consultation. The family should continue discussing suitable options with its EHCP coordinator or SEND team.
Start a conversation
Talk to us about your child's needs
Our Admissions team can explain the Orange Tree provision and help you understand the appropriate next step. Completing an enquiry does not begin or replace the Local Authority's formal EHCP consultation process.