Craighalbert School
School admissions
Welcome to Craighalbert! We provide school placements for children and young people aged 5-19 years who have complex communication, learning, health and care needs. children currently attending our nursery and school have been diagnosed with a neurological condition e.g. Acquired Brain Injury, Bilateral Polymicrogyria, Cerebral Palsy, Rare Genetic Conditions, Rett Syndrome, Syndromes without a Name, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
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We are unable to support the learning and development of children and young people with a primary diagnosis of autism or another neurodivergent condition, e.g. ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, Dyspraxia.
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We offer both full-time attendance and partnership placements; a child/ young person may attend Craighalbert on a part-time basis and a nursery, school or college more local to their home. We are a through-school, meaning that once admitted children may progress from nursery to primary and on to secondary within the same supportive setting, provided Craighalbert remains the best place to support their complex communication, learning, health and care needs.
Admission to our school is subject to:
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A detailed assessment by our multi-disciplinary team to confirm that we would be the very best place to support their abilities and learning and development needs;
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Submission of a placing request to the local authority in which the child is resident; and
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The agreement of an Individualised Placement Agreement (IPA) and associated fees with the child’s home local authority.
Find out more
There are several ways to get in touch if you would like to find out more about our school, to visit or make a referral:
submit an enquiry using our online form
We will do our very best to respond to your enquiry without undue delay, i.e. within 10 working days.
Our assessment process
If we think that your child is likely to benefit from a placement at Craighalbert, we will offer an initial, multi-disciplinary assessment.
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This may take up to 5 hours, with the option to spread assessment activities over several visits to e.g. allow your child to participate at a pace right for them and minimise any fatigue.
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What to Bring
Please bring everything your child may need during their time with us. If there are specific requirements—such as for feeding, medication, or mobility—let us know in advance so we can support you appropriately.
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Sharing Information
During the assessment, we will take a detailed history from you. This includes your child’s birth, medical investigations, diagnoses, and input from health or educational specialists.
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We kindly ask that you provide any relevant medical or therapy reports before or at the time of the assessment.
We understand this can be an emotional and uncertain time. Please be assured that we aim to make you feel welcomed, supported, and involved throughout the process.
Our admission process
Once a placement has been agreed, we will form a Team around your Child (TAC) comprised of key staff from our multi-disciplinary learning and development teams.
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We will organise a pre-admission meeting for parents, key staff from the child’s local learning, health and social care team and our TAC to plan a personalised transition.