The Family Area

Everything parents and carers need to know about Waterside School in one place

We want the experience of finding and applying for a place at Waterside School to be as straightforward as possible for families. Here you will find all of the practical information parents and carers need in one place, from how our admissions process works to what your child's lunchtime looks like. If there is anything you cannot find here, our team is always happy to help.

Applying for a Place at Waterside School

Download our Admissions Policy
All places at Waterside School are funded by the local authority through your child's Education, Health and Care Plan. We do not accept direct admissions from parents or carers. If you would like your child to be considered for a place, the first step is to express a preference for Waterside School to your local authority SEN team, who will then make a formal referral on your behalf. 

‍
We consider admissions throughout the year, not just at the start of the academic year in September. We understand that many of our learners have been out of education for some time, and we do not want that to be a barrier to finding the right school.

Who We Can Support - Specialist SEN School

Here at Waterside School, we support young people aged 9 to 18 with a range of special educational needs, including:
Learn more about the students we support
  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including learners who need structured environments, predictable routines, and support with sensory regulation
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including those with co-occurring conditions such as OCD, Tourette's Syndrome, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
  • Co-occurring learning difficulties, including uneven cognitive profiles and gaps in learning arising from disrupted education
  • Sensory processing differences, where learners benefit from carefully managed environments and access to low-stimulus spaces‍
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), including young people with experience of trauma, anxiety, attachment difficulties, or emotionally based school avoidance
We believe in being open and transparent with families about how our SEN school in Coventry operates. All of our policies are available to download below, including our admissions policy, safeguarding policy, and more. If you have any questions about any of our policies, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Uniform - Keeping Our Learners Comfortable at School

Here at Waterside School, we choose not to have a strict school uniform regime. We understand that for many learners with special educational needs, clothing can be a source of significant sensory discomfort or anxiety, and we want learners to feel as comfortable as possible from the moment they arrive. We do ask that learners wear clothing that is appropriate for a school environment, and our team are happy to discuss this with families ahead of your child's start date.

 Healthy School Meals

We are a healthy school, and we take our approach to food seriously. Every day, we provide a freshly prepared hot meal option at lunchtime, made on site by our team. For learners who would prefer something lighter, a sandwich alternative is always available.

We know that lunchtime can be a social and sensory experience that requires careful thought for learners with special educational needs. Our team is on hand to support learners throughout the lunch period, and we are happy to discuss any dietary requirements, sensory preferences, or anxieties around food with families ahead of your child's start date.

Food and Healthy Eating Policy

Common Parent & Carer Questions, Answered

Does my child need an EHCP to attend Waterside School?

Yes. All places at Waterside School are available only to learners who hold a current Education, Health and Care Plan issued by their local authority.

How is a place at Waterside School funded?

All places are funded by the local authority as part of your child's EHCP. Families do not pay fees directly.

Does Waterside School have a waiting list?

No. We do not hold a waiting list. All referrals are considered on an individual basis as they are received.

Can my child start mid-year?

Yes. We accept admissions throughout the year, not just in September. We understand that many families cannot wait until the start of a new academic year.

Find out about our curriculum

Explore Waterside

Ready to find out more?

Whether you are ready to start the admissions process or simply want to find out more about Waterside School, we would be glad to hear from you.

Contact us