AP referrals in Trafford: where to begin
An AP referral brings together decisions about education, support, attendance and funding. Start by identifying the learner's needs and the people responsible for the current arrangement. Beyond Education can explain its provision and discuss whether it may be suitable.
Contact the AP team
Involve the people who know the learner
For a family, the school or SENDCo is often a useful first conversation about the support already in place and what is being considered next. Where a local-authority team is involved, identify the responsible contact. Parents can also enquire directly with Beyond Education to understand the setting.
For a professional referrer, clarify the purpose of the proposed placement before looking only at a timetable. Is the priority access to core learning, re-engagement, an interim arrangement or preparation for a transition? The answer should inform the programme being discussed.
Include the young person's view as far as possible. Interests, worries and previous experiences can help everyone understand what would make an introduction manageable. A referral form or diagnosis may contain important information, but does not replace that conversation.
Share enough to begin, then agree a secure route
An initial website enquiry should contain adult contact details, the broad stage of the learner and a short description of the provision being sought. Professional referrers should include their organisation and role. Please avoid sending EHCPs or medical and safeguarding records in that first message.
If the enquiry progresses, the team will explain which information is needed for suitability and how it should be exchanged. Relevant material may include the current educational plan, learning priorities and information about support that has been effective. Ask who needs access to a document before sharing it.
Be clear before the first day
A visit and a positive initial discussion are useful steps, but they are not the same as an agreed placement. The learner, family and responsible organisations need clarity about what is being offered and who is authorising it.
- The purpose, curriculum and proposed attendance pattern.
- The cost, funding route and person authorised to agree payment.
- Arrival, collection and any transport responsibilities.
- Attendance reporting and the main contacts for routine or urgent concerns.
- How progress will be reviewed and how the next stage will be planned.
Keep the plan open to review
Once a placement begins, the agreed priorities provide a starting point for review. Academic work, engagement and the young person's experience may each offer information about how the programme is working. Bring changes in circumstances or needs into that discussion promptly.
An AP arrangement does not automatically establish an EOTAS package or alter a school placement. If those questions arise, discuss them with the responsible school or local-authority team and use independent guidance where needed. Beyond Education can explain its own provision without making decisions on behalf of another body.
Your questions, answered.
Can a parent contact BE before the school agrees a placement?
Yes, to discuss the setting and possible suitability. Any funded placement or change in the agreed educational arrangement still needs the relevant authorisation. An initial conversation is not a funding decision.
Should a school send full records immediately?
No. Begin with broad information and professional contact details. The team will explain which records are needed and how they should be shared if a suitability discussion progresses.
Does an enquiry reserve a start date?
No. Availability, suitability, the proposed programme and funding arrangements need agreement first. Staff will confirm a start once the necessary discussions and arrangements are complete.
Who approves the funding?
That depends on the route and the responsible organisation. Beyond Education cannot approve expenditure for a school or local authority. Identify the authorised contact and obtain the relevant agreement before attendance begins.
What if we are unsure about our rights?
Use independent advice and the relevant local-authority information for your circumstances. The IPSEA guidance linked here can help distinguish AP, EOTAS and home education, which involve different arrangements.
Discuss a possible referral
Share the broad purpose of the enquiry and an adult contact. We will explain the next conversation.