OpenGate Education

Referrals

Flexible, commissioned alternative provision

OpenGate Education works in partnership with schools, academy trusts and local authorities to deliver commissioned alternative provision that supports attendance, inclusion, SEND and statutory education responsibilities.

Our placements are designed around the individual needs of each child or young person, providing targeted support that helps prevent needs from escalating, improves engagement with education, and supports positive long-term outcomes.

Our provision is:

  • Needs-led
  • Time-limited where appropriate
  • Outcome-focused
  • Trauma-informed and relationship-based
  • Designed to complement existing school or local authority provision

Who we support

We accept referrals for children and young people who are:

  • At risk of exclusion or placement breakdown
  • Experiencing attendance difficulties or Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
  • Presenting with SEND or requiring additional educational support
  • Presenting with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
  • Diagnosed with, or awaiting assessment for, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or ADHD
  • Supported through an EHCP or EOTAS arrangement
  • Awaiting specialist assessment, provision or placement
  • At risk of disengaging from education
  • Requiring short-term intervention, transition or reintegration support

Who can make a referral?

We accept referrals from:

  • Schools and academies
  • Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
  • Local authorities
  • SEND teams
  • Inclusion services
  • Attendance services
  • Virtual schools
  • Other authorised commissioning organisations

Please note: We do not accept direct referrals from parents or carers.

If you believe OpenGate Education may be appropriate for your child, please speak with your school, local authority or commissioning professional.

Referral and commissioning process

Referrals are reviewed by our regional teams to ensure the proposed placement is appropriate and can meet the identified needs of the child or young person.

Following referral, we will:

Review the referral information.

Discuss requirements with the commissioning organisation.

Assess suitability and placement availability.

Agree outcomes, delivery arrangements and review processes.

Implement a tailored programme of support.

Our delivery locations

Central region

  • Bedfordshire
  • Hertfordshire
  • Buckinghamshire

North region

  • Liverpool
  • Tees Valley

Make a referral

To discuss a placement or submit a referral, please complete our referral form below.

The form will be directed to the appropriate regional team, who can advise on placement availability, commissioning arrangements and suitability.

Referral enquiry form

Section 1: Referral location
Section 2: Referring organisation & professional
Section 3: Child / young person details
Section 4: Reason for referral

Please provide a brief summary of the reason for referral, the type of support required and the outcomes you hope to achieve through the placement.

Section 5: SEND status
Section 6: Placement requirements

You may wish to include:

  • Preferred session times (morning, afternoon, or full day)
  • Preferred days of attendance
  • Number of hours or sessions required per week
  • Preferred start date
  • Any other relevant delivery requirements

Example: “3 morning sessions per week (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), approximately 15 hours in total, with a preferred start date of January 2027.”

Section 7: Contact preferences (optional)
Preferred contact method

Partners and regulatory bodies

National CollegeSchools North East