Lighthouse Admissions Procedure

Lighthouse Futures Trust (LFT) is an SPI – Specialist Post-16 Institution – with a focus on supporting young adults, aged 16-25, to develop the self-confidence and employability skills they need to move into paid employment. Unlike other colleges, we do not offer vocational or academic courses but focus on creating a bespoke and engaging curriculum that helps prepare young adults for life, and for  work. 

Our Admissions Criteria

Our entry requirements are: 

  • Have an Education Health Care Plan
  • Aged 16 to 25
  • Have a desire to work towards paid employment
  • There is no charge to attend
  • Independent travel is key for our supported internships, however we will support individuals with this if required

An overview of the process:

  1. Arrange for an annual review with your current school/college (or get one booked in as soon as possible)
  2. If you would like someone from Lighthouse Futures Trust to attend the review, ask your school/college to get in touch with us
  3. At your review, let your school/college know that you would like the local authority to send us a consultation
  4. On receipt of the consultation, we will invite you back in to meet with our SENDCo and other staff and discuss whether we can meet your needs and what places are available.

What is an EHCP?

All interns need to have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP). This is a document which details the educational, health and social care needs of a child or young person and sets out the provision required to meet those needs. EHC plans can only be issued by a local authority – please visit the IPSEA website for further details or, if you are in Leeds, contact the local SENDIASS service.

Local Authority’s Decision

If we have said that we can meet their needs, the LA’s Case Work Office at SENSAP will take the case to panel, to see if the senior members of the team believe that the placement is right for your young person.

It is important to remember that even if we can meet their needs, and have places available, the final decision rests with the Local Authority to decide where that young person will be placed. Their decision will then be written in Section I of the final EHC Plan.

Can I come and visit before I ask the local authority to consult with
Lighthouse Futures Trust?

Yes, of course. We hold Open Days regularly throughout the year where we give presentations, offer you the chance to look round the college and speak to staff. To find out when the next event is, please email info@lighthousefuturestrust.org.uk or ring us on 0113 340 0006.

Read the full Admissions Procedure here. 

Admissions Procedure