APPLICATIONS for a student place at a Camphill specialist college of further education can be made by parents, Connexions advisers, social workers, schools or local education authorities. Initial enquiries are usually made by parents or Connexions advisers. If parents and a prospective student wish to visit the college before making an application, contact the college to find out about open days or to visit by prior appointment.
Camphill colleges take great care to ensure they can meet a student's needs, so the application and assessment process can be quite lengthy. It is preferable to make the initial applications at least 12 months before a student will go to the college, although places may be available in a shorter time scale.
Initial enquiries
Initial enquiries can be made by phone, letter, email or the contact form on the college's website.
The first stage of the application process is usually the completion of a student enquiry form which can sometimes be done by phone. This can be done up to 18 months before the student will attend college. At this stage, contact should also be made with the local Connexions service.
The prime concern is always the needs of the student and whether the college can meet those needs. If the initial information suggests a student's needs can be met, the college will request further information including school, Connexions and medical reports and a social history. An informal visit to the college may also be arranged at this stage.
Interview and acceptance
The next stage is for the prospective student to visit the college for an interview with his or her parents or social worker. Following a successful interview, the applicant will be invited to the college for a day to join in with students so that an assessment of needs can be made and the course the student might follow can be considered. Further assessment days, perhaps including an overnight stay, may follow. When these assessments are successful an informal offer of a place may be made to the parents, social worker and Connexions adviser. Parents should confirm acceptance so that funding can be applied for.