Chipping Sodbury School is a fully inclusive school where there is provision for students with a wide range of additional needs.  For those students with EHCPs, the school will respond to the specified requirements within the funding constraints made available by the Local Authority.  Parents/carers with a child with an EHCP are encouraged to communicate directly with the SENDCo or Inclusion team to discuss their child.

Staff

Staff within the inclusion team are experienced at working with neurodiverse young people and their calm, respectful, nurturing approach ensures our students make good progress. 

The team also includes a speech and language therapist, educational psychologist and primary mental health specialist who meet regularly with students, families and staff to share their knowledge and expertise.  Programmes of support are devised within this multi-professional team ensuring a consistent, structured approach to learning and positive outcomes based on the needs identified in the EHCP.

Resource Base

As part of the inclusion offer, the school has a resource base for 10 students with a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition who can learn, flourish and achieve success in a positive, nurturing environment designed specifically to meet their need.  South Gloucestershire 0-25 Team will place students in the resource base following a  consultation process, where it is deemed that a mainstream school with a resource base is appropriate.  Students in the base will have a blended timetable they will access English and maths in small groups within the resource base.  They will also have opportunities for social skills sessions and to do their homework within the base.  They will join mainstream lessons, with shared teaching assistant support, to gain a broad and balanced curriculum. 

The physical space of the resource base is situated in the heart of Chipping Sodbury School. It comprises of a small group of rooms; a kitchen/dining room where some students will be supported and encouraged to use the appliances to promote independence and life skills, a quiet room and a specially designed enclosed garden with outdoor gym equipment, and areas to explore, to plant, to sit and to play.

Miss Grant, Deputy SENDCo, is the day to day manager of the resource base.  Her work is actively supported by members of the wider central Trust team, the Headteacher, SENDCo and governors.

Admission

The resource base is suited to students with an autism spectrum diagnosis who are of mainstream academic ability but find a fulltime mainstream school environment overwhelming.  The local authority will send out consultations of students who may be suited to the resource base. The Deputy SENDCo will review the EHCP document and respond to the local authority advising if Chipping Sodbury resource base would be able to meet the needs of that student.  The local authority has the final decision around where students are placed.  Prospective parents and students are welcome to visit the resource base to gain a greater understanding of what it offers.

At Chipping Sodbury School, we acknowledge and value the importance of working in partnership with parents/carers and believe students are able to reach their potential through our close liaison.

Transition

Staff recognise and appreciate transition and change to a new learning environment can be a highly stressful time for students and their families. We offer additional visits prior to starting at the school and we do our utmost to ensure anxiety is kept to a minimum by listening to concerns, adopting a flexible, patient and caring approach, whilst planning with families and other multi agency professionals.

Learning

Our approach to learning is through an adapted curriculum, tailored wherever possible to build on the unique strengths of each student whilst encouraging them to take risks and discover new experiences to develop skills for life.

Our practice is reflective and flexible.  Student targets are identified and through continuous assessment, evidence of their progress and learning outcomes are recorded and celebrated.  We also work closely with families, meeting regularly, sharing information and strategies to ensure learning needs at home are also taken into account at school.

Curriculum

The curriculum largely follows the mainstream curriculum with adaptation made where necessary.  There is also a keen emphasis on learning to learn and developing functional skills for life.  Students’ views, opinions and interests shape their learning experience and are at the heart of all we do.  Students will be taught in small groups for English and Maths, the wider curriculum is delivered within the mainstream lessons with support.  Our aim is to ensure each young person grows in confidence and independence, has the skills and opportunity to make informed choices, develop social and emotional awareness and has the best outcomes possible to fulfil their ambitions and potential.  Where it is appropriate, students are encouraged to participate in the wider opportunities that are available including trips and visits.

Collaboration

Our team appreciate parents/carers know their children best and are keen to forge trusting partnerships with families and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcome for each student.  Excellent communication between school and home is paramount.  Concerns are addressed in consultation and collaboration whilst students’ achievements and successes are shared and celebrated.  The annual review process is used to plan for the future, while regular home contact is maintained to share successes and concerns.

For further information, please contact Mrs Grant, Deputy SENDCo, Chipping Sodbury School Tel: 01454 862900