Commissioning and Placement Pathways

We wish to confirm that educational placements at HOPECFI may be commissioned directly by schools. Where appropriate, funding may be accessed through a Education, Health and Care Plan. This provides a compliant and collaborative mechanism for schools to support children requiring specialist provision or short breaks. In addition, HOPECFI accepts direct parental placements. As a fully Ofsted-registered Alternative Provider, our provision is approved for use with the Tax-Free Childcare, Universal Credit childcare support and University Childcare Grants.

Parents who are either employed or in higher education and wish to access part-time provision during the school day (for up to sixteen hours per week) may request that their child be placed on a dual registration, with agreement from their school. This arrangement enables the child to attend HOPECFI part time while remaining formally on roll at their mainstream school. Placement costs in such circumstances may be met by the parent using the above schemes, subject to eligibility.