Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)

Thurstable School is an 11–16 comprehensive secondary school that admits students in line with our standard admission procedure. We take a whole-school inclusive approach to special educational needs, recognising that our aims are the same for all students: we can all be supported to be the best versions of ourselves.

We believe that every child and young person is entitled to an education that enables them to succeed, thrive, build knowledge, and grow their character.

Our Approach: Quality First Teaching

At Thurstable, Quality First Teaching is at the heart of our SEND support:

• Skilled Teachers: Our teaching staff undergo significant SEND training to maintain high expectations for all learners.

• Adaptive Learning: Teachers adapt their classroom delivery and provide necessary scaffolding to ensure every student can access the curriculum.

• Flexible Support: Assistance is provided in a child-centred manner—in main lessons, through 1-to-1 sessions, in small groups, or behind the scenes (where Teaching Assistants and LSAs collaborate to create adapted resources).

• Targeted Areas: We provide targeted interventions across key skills, including literacy, maths, reading, and social-emotional development.

The Learning Support Centre: "The Bridge"

To support our students' diverse needs, our Learning Support Centre has expanded into four dedicated teaching rooms, collectively known as The Bridge.

A9: Gateway - Emotional Regulation

A quiet space for students to take 10 minutes to re-regulate before returning to class. Includes access to our Sensory Room. (Closed during tutor time)

A10: Connect - Social Interventions

Small-group interventions focused on developing relationships, communication skills, and positive interactions.

A7: Approach - Literacy & English

Runs small-group literacy interventions to build foundational skills. Also hosts English catch-up sessions for students unable to access mainstream English.

A5: Crossing - Numeracy & Maths

Focuses on applying and strengthening mathematical understanding. Hosts Maths catch-up sessions and serves as a quiet space during break and lunch times.

Assessment & Graduated Response

We aim to identify special educational needs early, assess those needs alongside parents and the students themselves, and plan an appropriate graduated response:

1. Stage-Based Support: We match the level of help directly to the individual needs of the child.

2. Regular Reviews: Student progress is monitored regularly to ensure interventions remain effective.

3. Dedicated Key Workers: Students with high needs are allocated a key worker who serves as a primary point of contact for families and arranges reviews throughout the year.

Working in Partnership with Parents

The SEND department is an approachable, friendly, and responsive team. We encourage open communication and act swiftly to address queries or concerns.

• Parent Consultation: Parents are kept informed and consulted at every stage of their child’s support journey.

• Meetings & Evenings: In addition to regular parents' evenings throughout the year, parents can schedule an appointment at any time to discuss progress with Heads of Year or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO).

Contact Us

Have questions about SEND provision or want to discuss your child's needs? Please contact the main school office to arrange an appointment with our SEND team.