Oyster SRP Eligibility and Admissions

Oysters is a specifically designed resourced provision to support the learning of children who have a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and have an EHCP. Oysters provision is situated within Joy Lane Primary and Nursery School in Whitstable.

Our 30-place provision has been designed and built to provide both a dedicated learning area while encouraging full access to the mainstream school and the National Curriculum. Our programmes, devised to include specific targets, are monitored and modified to meet the individual needs of each child.

Strong emphasis is placed on good home/school liaison and the positive impact of including children with special educational needs as part of the whole school community. We view every child at our school as a valued member of the Joy Lane family.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for admission at Joy Lane, children must:

• have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) or be undergoing a formal assessment-formerly known as a Statement of Special Educational Needs
• have a diagnosis of ASD
• be within the normal range of average ability
• have the ability to communicate verbally without full reliance on communication aids, although children may still need support and programmes devised by a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) and delivered by trained support staff
• be able to integrate for 50% of the school day

Admission will not be agreed if:

• the agreed number of funded places by the Local Authority are fully subscribed so that admitting children over this number would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources
• there is insufficient evidence of a clear diagnosis of Autism. e.g. where it is reported ‘there are autistic traits’
• there is evidence of moderate, severe or complex learning difficulties in addition to Autism
• the admission of a pupil would compromise the health and safety of the pupils and/ or staff within the provision or would compromise or disrupt the education of pupils already in attendance
• it should also be noted that siblings are not automatically admitted

Applying for an EHCP: Education health and care (EHC) plans - Kent County Council

Choosing a school for your child: Choose a school for your child with SEND - Kent County Council

Transport: School transport for children with special educational needs - Kent County Council