Specialist Support Centre

Our Specialist Support Centre (SSC) is a department within the mainstream school, which provides specialist support to 20 children that have an education health care plan (EHCP).

The SSC is organised into two mixed age classes:

Otter class supports children in early years foundation studies (EYFS) and key stage 1
Badger class teaches children in key stage 2

Each class has 10 pupils and is taught by a special educational needs qualified teacher. Further support is given by special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants. All staff have a high level of knowledge and experience in supporting children with autism, ADHD, speech and language delays, pathological demand avoidance (PDA) and supporting children with special educational needs. They are responsible to delivering teaching, learning and behaviour support, all under the direction of the class teacher. Both classes adopt a Total Communication Approach and work alongside the school assigned speech and language therapy (SALT) team.

Our SSC offers a warm, caring and nurturing environment which follows the pedagogy of Zones of Regulation to support our children to develop their own understanding and skills in emotional control and self-regulation. Our class timetables offer regular opportunities for mindfulness, sensory breaks, active learning and to be outside.

We understand that children with autism spectrum disorder achieve their potential and feel happy when their environment, learning, communication and routines are structured and personalised to meet their individual needs.

We recognise that our children need additional support to understand the world around them as it can seem a very confusing and unpredictable place. Our children may have difficulties coping with unexpected changes and this can cause distress and anxiety. In the SSC we follow clear, predictable and structured routines which help the children to feel safe and calm, creating a personalised timetable which is child led and tailored to the individuals needs. We know that when children feel calm and settled, they can optimise their learning and reach their full potential. We believe that a consistent approach to teaching and learning, structured classroom environments and cross-curricular use of visual supports enable the pupils to be independent and engage in learning.

Our Teaching and Learning

We provide teaching and learning opportunities in line with the national curriculum. Teachers ensure that the learning is differentiated to meet individual children’s needs. We recognise that every child has their own specific strengths and challenges therefore children are supported with individual learning programmes and interventions which support pupil progress. Regular opportunities to practice skills based on repetition and small steps are scaffolded by appropriate adult support.

Our literacy skills are delivered using Elklan techniques, Colourful Semantics lessons and using the Talk for Writing method, which is in line with the mainstream policies.

Maths is delivered in an adapted and practical way, covering the content of the main curriculum, but keeping the objectives in a more visual and narrow focus.

Each child is assessed and baselined before and indivisualised personalised learning goals (PLG) are created for the child. We use the targets of each EHCP by delivering a very persionalised curriculum for each child, making sure their individual sensory, emotional and educational needs are met.

The fundamentals of TEACCH are used to provide a structured approach which enables our learners to successfully engage while also developing independence in their learning.

Our Facilities

We are very fortunate that we have ample space in the SSC. Our two classrooms offer bright and spacious learning environments. In addition, we have other learning spaces which offer calm, orderly, low arousal working spaces for our children. This includes our speech and language therapy room, a sensory space and early years play room, a small group room and our SSC office. Furthermore, we have a well-resourced outdoor playground with climbing frame, sensory garden and a wide range of tricycles, scooters and outdoor play equipment. We also have a large, sheltered area where children can access outdoor learning opportunities across the day whatever the weather.

Speech and Language Support

Speech, language and communication development is pivotal to all that we do. Visual supports, including pictures, photos and symbols, are highly valued in the SSC and are used wherever possible to promote children’s learning and understanding. The staff use Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), symbols, Makaton signing, Cued Articulation and alternative and augmentative approaches where possible.

The children will benefit from the professional support of a speech and language therapist and an assistant who delivers weekly speech and language sessions. Throughout the week, we have a dedicated occupational therapist who has been highly trained to deliver occupational therapy to the children within the SSC to help maintain and achieve EHCP goals.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SSC for further information or to discuss your child and their individual needs. We understand that choosing the right educational setting for your special child is not an easy journey and we are here to help by answering any questions about what we do in the Specialist Support Centre.

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