make a referral professional
Students funded by Local Authorities, schools, or other funding streams across England may require a full-time placement at the National Online School for various reasons, including:
- Waiting for a school or college placement
- Unable to access local school due to anxiety or EBSA
- Anxiety worsened, preventing school attendance
- Neurodiverse students not receiving adequate support (ASC, SEMH)
- Excluded from or moved out of their school
- Self-excluded due to unmet needs
- Unable to attend due to risk or exploitation
- CLA Students
How to refer to the National Online School
Referrals can be sent directly to NOSreferrals@tces.org.uk. If applicable, referrals should include the following:
- EHCP
- Annual review
- School reports
- Additional reports (CAMHS, EP, Social Care)
- Please specify, if applicable which subjects the young person is looking to study.
The Clinical Team will review all paperwork to fully understand the child/young person’s unique needs and learning preferences. We may ask you for a meeting to understand any needs further or for your permission to contact the parents/guardians.
If the child/young person’s needs can be met within our school, we will send a conditional offer letter to the referrer.
When funding is agreed we will set up an onboarding meeting with the parent/carer. A Chromebook and welcome pack will be sent to the child/ young person. Following this, the Summary Placement Form containing the official start date will be sent to the referrer.
Once onboarding is completed the child/young person will be given their timetable and meet their teachers at the National Online School.
Submit a referral below using our secure form.
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FAQS
How to refer a young person to NOS?
Referrals are usually made by the party funding the placement, most often the Local Authority SEN Team. The majority of our placements are for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If you are supporting a young person with an EHCP who may benefit from a therapeutic online learning environment, please send referral documentation directly to NOSreferrals@tces.org.uk.
We are happy to discuss the referral process with you in more detail, including suitability, availability, and next steps. If you’d like to arrange a conversation with a member of the team, please feel free to get in touch.
Can a Young Person Join at Any Time?
Yes, our National Online School accepts referrals on a rolling basis, and a young person can start at any point in the academic year. Once written confirmation of funding is received by our referrals team, we aim to begin the student’s induction and integration process within five working days. This ensures minimal disruption to learning and a prompt start to therapeutic support and education.
Can the National Online School be named in an EHCP?
Yes. The National Online School can be named in Section I of an EHCP. We can also be included in Section F as a specified provision or as part of an EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) package, depending on the needs of the young person and the local authority’s agreement.
If you would like to discuss any of these options further, please feel free to contact us.
How is safeguarding managed at TCES National Online School?
Safeguarding is a top priority at our National Online School. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and follow clear policies and procedures designed to keep young people safe. We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a wider safeguarding team who monitor and respond promptly to any concerns.
All pupils are issued a NOS Chromebook, which includes filtering and monitoring software to help ensure their safety during online learning. Lessons are live and recorded to support safeguarding and provide pupils with the option to catch up on any missed learning.
For more detailed information, please refer to our Policies page, where you can find our full Safeguarding Policy and related documentation.
Can I speak to someone about the National Online School?
Yes, absolutely! We would be happy to speak with you about the school and discuss how we can meet the needs of children and young people. Please email NOSreferrals@tces.org.uk, and a member of our team will get back to you to arrange a call at a time that works for you.
SUBMIT A REFERRAL FORM
book a call
Book a call with one of our team members we’re here to answer your questions and help you explore how the National Online School can support your child’s education.
events
Visit our event page to find out what’s coming up next from webinars for parents and professionals, or open events with opportunities to meet the team and have any questions answered.