An established Independent School Trust based in Accrington is seeking an organised, proactive, and commercially astute Admissions and Referrals Officer to oversee pupil intake across its independent provisions. Unlike a standard local authority multi-academy trust, this independent trust manages bespoke placements funded both through Local Authority commissioning (SEN / EHCP consultations) and direct admissions. Operating from central offices in Accrington, you will act as the operational bridge connecting commissioning local authorities, caseworkers, parents, clinical/pastoral leads, and headteachers to steer prospective pupils smoothly from initial inquiry to enrolled start date.
Key Responsibilities
- Referral & Consultation Management: Act as the first port of call for incoming placement referrals from Local Authorities across the North West (Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Greater Manchester) and private applicants.
- EHCP & Casework Review: Assess documentation, educational psychology reports, and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) alongside school leadership and therapeutic leads to establish suitability and support tiers.
- Statutory Timelines & Commissioning: Coordinate timely responses to statutory local authority consultations, draft formal placement offers, and support fee schedule proposals or bespoke costing agreements.
- Family Tours & Pupil Assessments: Arrange and host parent visits, open mornings, and pupil taster/assessment days, providing an informative, welcoming, and reassuring presence throughout.
- Transition & Enrolment Logistics: Manage the complete onboarding and induction process, ensuring all emergency contacts, medical records, transport arrangements, and contractual agreements are finalized prior to the child's start date.
- Occupancy Tracking & Reporting: Maintain accurate live capacity tracking, roll projections, and waiting list data across all sites within the Trust, delivering weekly pipeline reports to the Executive Board.
- Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure all admissions procedures comply fully with the Independent School Standards Regulations (ISSR), GDPR, and local safeguarding protocols.
Candidate Requirements
- Sector Experience: Prior background managing admissions, student recruitment, or referral casework within an independent school, specialist independent setting, or local authority SEN commissioning team.
- EHCP & Placement Literacy: Solid understanding of EHCP structures, Local Authority consultation procedures, and the funding/commissioning mechanisms typical of independent provisions.
- Client & Parent Relations: Polished stakeholder management skills with the emotional intelligence to navigate sensitive family conversations and the commercial awareness to liaise effectively with LA SEN commissioners.
- Systems Proficiency: High competence with school management systems (Engage, SIMS, ISAMS, Arbor) and CRM/pipeline tracking software.
- Working Pattern: Comfortable with a full-time, all-year-round schedule to ensure admissions coverage during school holidays when key placement decisions and September intakes are finalized.
Package & Benefits
- Full-year salary up to £35,000.
- Generous holiday allowance (25-28 days plus bank holidays).
- Company pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free on-site parking at the Accrington central hub.
- Clear career progression paths within an expanding independent education provider.
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Admissions & Referrals Manager / Officer in Accrington employer: Tradewind Recruitment LTD.
Tradewind Recruitment is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with additional needs. With competitive pay, flexible opportunities across Croydon, and access to over 2,500 CPD-accredited courses, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values inclusivity and empowers you to thrive in your role as a SEND Teaching Assistant.
Contact Details:
Tradewind Recruitment LTD. Recruitment Team
