I am delighted to welcome you to Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form. We are exceptionally proud of every aspect of our school and homes, from the academic and social achievement of our learners, to the outstanding specialist intervention and support we can provide for young people in our classes and our care.
ALDERWASLEY SCHOOL PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE
Spring 2026 Newsletter
Alderwasley Hall School & Sixth Form
Alderwasley is a residential special school in rural Derbyshire, for children and young people aged 5 years to 20 years with Autism and Developmental Language Disorder. Its peaceful countryside setting near Belper provides a calm, structured environment that helps pupils feel grounded and safe. Alderwasley’s multidisciplinary team includes Clinical Psychologists, Psychotherapists, CBT therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists. This depth of expertise enables highly individualised programmes that respond to each pupil’s profile and needs.
Pupils flourish at this school in an atmosphere that is calm and purposeful
- Ofsted Education 2025
Suitable for Young People Who:
May have had a later diagnosis of Autism Are supported by CAMHS Have experienced numerous breakdowns in previous education placements Experience high levels of anxiety related to school Have had extended periods out of education or are home-educated Experience significant social isolation Are working below age-related expectations
Alderwasley accepts both day and residential placements, and works with Local Authorities across the UK.
To make a referral:
https://senadgroup.com/alderwasley-hall/
Derbyshire DE56 2SR & DE4 4BN
referrals@senadgroup.com
INCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT WITH CIRCUS STARR
We’re proud to support organisations that make a genuine difference in our communities. One such organisation is Circus Starr, a UK-based, not-for- profit company that creates inclusive circus performances specifically designed for disabled, disadvantaged, and vulnerable children and their families.
Unlike traditional circus events, Circus Starr’s shows are carefully adapted to suit children with additional needs. Sensory considerations, accessible venues, and inclusive features such as British Sign Language interpretation help ensure that every child can enjoy the experience without fear of judgement or exclusion.
https://www.circus-starr.org.uk/
As a sponsor, SENAD’s support helped provide free tickets to families who may otherwise be unable to access live entertainment. One of the children who attended was Freya, a young girl with additional sensory needs. Circus Starr offered Freya a safe space where she could relax and express herself, and the impact lasted well beyond the performance, with Freya continuing to recreate the experience at home through dance and circus-inspired play. Circus Starr relies on the generosity of businesses to continue offering free, inclusive experiences to children across the UK, and we’re pleased to play a part in that mission.
Freya’s Parent Shared:
Freya has come a long way, but she’s still hypersensitive to sounds and
That’s why Circus Starr was so special. It gave her a space where she could be herself, make noise, move freely, and connect with other children who understand what that feels like. textures. Busy and loud environments can be overwhelming for her, so we have to plan carefully when we go out - choosing quieter times and places.
WE’RE ATTENDING
The National Education Show
We’re delighted to share that Aran Hall School, one of our specialist schools, will be attending the National Education Show 2026 at both Cardiff and Llandudno. The National Education Show is Wales’ largest education conference and exhibition, bringing together thousands of education professionals for a full day of learning and professional development. The event incorporates the ALN/SEND Show and offers a wide programme of CPD ‑ accredited seminars focused on current challenges and best practice across education, including additional learning needs, inclusion, wellbeing, leadership, and supporting vulnerable learners.
senadgroup.com/aran-hall-school/ Rhydymain, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AR
Come and meet us at our stand:
Llandudno Friday 12 June 2026 th
Cardiff Friday 2 October 2026 nd
&
Cardiff 2026
Llandudno 2026
nationaleducationshow.com/llandudno-2026/
nationaleducationshow.com/llandudno-2026/
WELCOME TO HOPE HOUSE
Transforming the Lives of Autistic Learners
We are delighted to welcome Hope House School to the SENAD Group. Based in Newark, north Nottinghamshire, Hope House is a day school for up to 33 pupils aged 5–19, all with a primary diagnosis of Autism. The school offers a personalised, creative curriculum designed to support academic learning, communication, emotional regulation, and independence, helping young people develop confidence and skills for life beyond school.
With a strong focus on wellbeing, safeguarding, and partnership with families, Hope House works closely with local authorities and professionals to ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time. We are delighted to have Hope House School as part of the SENAD Group, and look forward to sharing more about its work, community, and impact in the future.
https://www.hopehouseschool.co.uk/
hopeadmin@hopehouseschool.co.uk
Newark, Nottingham, NG242NE
Explore Our Admissions Criteria:
hopehouseschool.co.uk/key-information/admissions/
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING SCHEME
Helping young adults transition from care to independence.
About the Scheme
Support We Provide
Our new Community service is designed for young people transitioning into independent living. This supportive environment helps young people develop the confidence, skills, and resilience to live successfully on their own. It will be a short-term transition service, and the expectation would be for individuals to be supported to move on to more independent living in the community after a maximum period of approximately 2 years, depending on readiness for independence. The service is aimed at low to medium needs. Each person will have their own room and en-suite bathroom, but will share a communal kitchen and outdoor space. Staff will be available to provide support throughout the day and at night.
We aim to build confidence and independence, creating a foundation for a stable adult life.
Life Skills Development: Cooking, cleaning, budgeting, tenancy responsibilities. Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing: Signposting to CAMHS or adult services. Education & Employment Support: College, apprenticeships, job applications Independence Preparation: Understanding benefits, tenancy rights, and adult living. Residents will be encouraged to take ownership of their lives, with ongoing guidance and regular reviews involving social workers and personal advisers. The house has a shared kitchen and living space and is fully furnished to a high standard. There are 5 en-suite rooms, one room is located on the ground floor, 2 rooms are located on the first floor, and a further 2 rooms are on the second floor. Accommodation & Facilities
Local Amenities & Benefits
Access to education and healthcare services. Nearby shops, cafés, and social spaces Close to recreational parks: Hearsall Common, Spencer Park, War Memorial Park Excellent transport links: Earlsdon High Street, Coventry City Centre, bus routes Nearby providers: GPs, dentists, opticians, and supermarkets
senadgroup.com/senad-community-supported-living-service/
adult.referrals@senadgroup.com
07974 102719
COME AND MEET US
26 - 27 June 2026
https://autismadhdshow.co.uk/
NEC Birmingham
Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form will be exhibiting at the Autism & ADHD Show at the NEC Birmingham on 26– 27 June 2026, one of the UK’s largest national events dedicated to autism and ADHD. Our attendance reflects our ongoing commitment to professional development, collaboration, and continuous improvement in specialist education. Learning from national events such as this helps ensure our schools stay at the forefront of evidence ‑ informed, child ‑ centred practice that supports positive outcomes for young people with Autism and additional needs.
WE’RE EXHIBITING
The Hayes Conference Centre, Derbyshire, DE55 1AU
commissionersconference.co.uk/
25 - 26 June 2026
We’re exhibiting at the Children’s Commissioners’ Conference on 25 - 26 June 2026, a national event focused on commissioning and contracting across children’s services, education, health, and social care. The Children’s Commissioners’ Conference brings together commissioners, local authorities, and specialist providers from across England and Wales. The 2026 conference theme, ‘Children at the Heart: Commissioning in a Changing World’, will explore current challenges, policy developments, and best practice in commissioning services that meet the evolving needs of children and young people.
OUR REFERRALS PROCESS
*
Who can refer:
How to refer:
Local Authorities Parents / Carers Professionals
Referral / Initial Enquiry
Contact the Central Office Referrals Team (Online Enquiry Form or Phone: 01332 378 840)
No
If the child / young person does not have an EHCP or draft EHCP, we are unable to progress to a school placement
Key Requirement Check
Local Authority sends formal consultation paperwork to the Central Referral Team Email for LA use: referrals@senadgroup.com
Formal Consultation Submitted
The central referrals team identify potentially suitable SENAD schools and forward the EHCP and reports to relevant school assessment teams. We notify the Local Authority which schools are reviewing the consultation.
Referral Distribution
No
If the school is unable to meet need and/or capacity, the placement is declined and feedback sent to the Local Authority
Initial Suitability Decision
Consent for Assessment
The Local Authority and parents give consent for an assesssment.
This may include: parent / carer meeting, a school visit / observation. a paper- based review, and a discussion with professionals
School Assessment & Visit
No
Post Assessment Decision
If the placement is not suitable, feedback provided to Local Authorities
Formal offer letter sent via the Central Referrals Team. This letter includes the type of placement (day / residential) and the school identified. The Local Authority proceeds with naming the school in the EHCP.
Offer of Placement Issued
Transition planning begins Start date agreed
Admission Planning
SENAD does not offer same-day admissions. Emergency placements are only possible after assessment.
*This flowchart provides a general process summary. For more specific information, please contact to our referrals team on 01332 378 840
Learn more at: https://senadgroup.com/advice-and-faqs-for-professionals/
01332 378 840
info@senadgroup.com
Alderwasley School Hall & Sixth Form
senadgroup.com
Pegasus School
Maple View School
Edgewood School
The SENAD Group, 1 St George’s House, Vernon Gate, Derby, DE1 1UQ
Rowden House School
Bladon House School
Aran Hall School
Current Placement Vacancies:
Day & Residential Rowden House School
Day & Residential Aran Hall School
Maple View School Residential
Day & Residential Alderwasley Hall School
Age: Mixed 11-19 years Autism, Learning Disabilities & Challenging Behaviour
Age: Mixed 11-19 years Autism, Severe Learning Disibilities & Challengine Behaviour
Age: Mixed 5-20 years Autism & Developmental Language Disorder
Age: Mixed 6-16 years Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties
For more information, or to discuss a young person, please call 01332 378 840 or email referrals@senadgroup.com to speak with our referrals team
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