Admissions
Join Longwill
Longwill School for the Deaf provides specialist education for Deaf children aged 2–11. If you are considering Longwill for your child, we are here to help you understand the admissions process, explore whether our provision is right for your child and take the next steps with confidence.
Every child attending Longwill has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
An EHCP sets out your child’s individual needs and the support and provision required to help them thrive in education.
If your child already has an EHCP, you can discuss Longwill as a potential placement with your child’s current school or setting and the relevant local authority team. We also encourage families to contact Longwill directly so that we can help you understand what happens next.
If your child does not yet have an EHCP, speak to your SENCO about starting the assessment process. For children who are not yet of school age, your visiting Teacher of the Deaf can provide advice and support to you and your family.
Visit Longwill
Choosing a school is an important decision. We encourage prospective families to visit Longwill, meet our staff and experience our specialist learning environment for themselves.
A visit gives you the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about our approach to Deaf education and see how we support children to develop their communication, confidence, independence and academic potential.
How the Admissions Process Works
Admissions are considered on an individual basis, taking account of each child’s communication, educational and wider needs, as well as the views of the child and their family and the suitability of Longwill’s specialist provision.
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Speak to your child’s SENCO, Teacher of the Deaf or relevant local authority team.
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Contact Longwill to find out more about the school and arrange a visit where appropriate.
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Share your child’s EHCP and relevant information so that their needs can be fully understood.
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Work with the school and local authority throughout the placement and admissions process.
Our staff may also liaise with your child’s current setting and other professionals involved in their education and support, helping to build a clear picture of your child’s strengths, needs and aspirations.
Finding the Right Placement Our priority is to ensure that every child has access to the right educational provision. At Longwill, we want every Deaf child to feel understood, valued and supported to achieve their potential in a specialist environment that celebrates their identity and strengths.