Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Solihull Special Schools and Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs)

Information about Special Educational Needs

• Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties
• Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
• Emotional, Social and Behavioural Difficulties (ESBD)
• Physical Disabilities
• Sensory Impairment
• Special Schools
• Solihull Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs)

Solihull offers a range of inclusive provision for pupils experiencing special educational needs (SEN). It is expected that the vast majority of pupils with SEN will attend their local community school in accordance with the Council's admission policy.

Children and young people with a Statement of Special Educational Needs are also entitled to attend a mainstream school if that is what they and their parents wish, unless despite making reasonable adjustments to the curriculum and the school environment, the school is unable to meet their needs.

An admissions panel considers all admissions to Solihull Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs). Priority is given to those pupils who best match the admissions criteria.

Solihull values the contribution that its special schools make to SEN provision within the Borough. Parents may express a preference for their child to attend a special school if they have a Statement of Special Educational Needs. For those parents or carers who want special school provision, the LA will support that request unless we believe that such a placement would not be in the child or young person's best interest; or the child or young person does not want it themselves; or the school cannot meet need.

We appreciate that parents can find it difficult to decide what school is best for their child. We are able to offer advice and comprehensive information about the range of provision available.

Further information on provision for SEN in Solihull can be obtained from:

Inclusion & Access Team on 0121 704 6690.

Or alternatively through Solihull SNAP Parent Partnership Service on 0121 770 5027.

Anchor Point:speechSpeech, Language and Communication Difficulties

Solihull maintains three Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs) for children with speech, language and communication difficulties. Bishop Wilson CE School and Hatchford Brook Junior and Infant School are mainstream schools where specialist staff address the pupils' needs through individual programmes incorporating speech and language therapy, 1:1 and small group teaching, plus inclusion in mainstream lessons with support as appropriate.

Pupils attending the ARCs present with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties that do not arise as a result of general developmental delay or learning difficulty. The teaching and therapy methods employed in the ARCs are designed to build on the children's strengths. The ARCs aim to enable pupils to realise their full potential and return to full-time mainstream provision.

• Alderbrook School and Arts College is an 11016 comprehensive school with additional provision for pupils with moderate learning and speech and language difficulties. The Additionally Resourced Centre (ARC) is a 45-place provision. Pupils in the ARC are fully integrated into mainstream classes of 27 for the majority of the timetable.
  
  Your Speech and Language Therapist or school SENCO should be able to provide you with the dates and times of parental visits to the ARCs that are held on a termly basis. If you would like to attend one of these visits, or if you have any other questions about educational support for pupils with speech and language difficulties, please contact the Specialist Inclusion Support Service and ask for the Lead Professional, Speech and Language Difficulties.

Anchor Point:spldSpecific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

Solihull maintains two Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs) for children with Specific Learning Difficulties.

• Widney Junior School - Widney ARC is an integral part of Widney Junior School. It is staffed by one full-time SpLD teacher and two part-time SpLD learning support assistants. Pupils transferring to Widney School will have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or will be in the process of Statutory Assessment.
  
  For some pupils, the provision at Widney is a short-term placement designed to enable them to return to their local mainstream school. Pupils attending the ARC will become full members of the school; being attached to a mainstream class where they register daily.
  
  Within the ARC, pupils work on a very intensive, individual literacy and numeracy programme (if appropriate). All work is based on a multi-sensory approach where the three main channels of learning are visual, auditory and kinaesthetic to give maximum opportunity for learning to take place.
  
• Langley School, Specialist College for Performing Arts and Languages
  The SpLD Centre is a 28-place unit, catering for pupils from Year 7 to Year 11. They are taught in small year groups with the usual staffing ratio being 3 teachers and 3 learning support assistants.
  
  Pupils are integrated pastorally and are in mainstream Science, DT, IT, a Creative Art and PE from Year 7. The rest of the timetable is devoted to a two-year intensive spelling and maths programme using multi-sensory learning.
  
  By Year 9 the pupils are integrated into most subjects, except Modern Foreign Languages, and will sit SATs in Maths, Science and English if they are ready.
  
  In Year 10 pupils have a choice of options with some support time from staff if necessary. The School's mentoring system starts in Year 10 and follows pupils through to the end of Year 11.
• • By Key Stage 4 the support is pupil driven and staff are flexible to the help pupils require.

Anchor Point:physicalPhysical Disabilities

• Ulverley School's Additionally Resourced Centre provides a friendly and supportive area for pupils with physical disabilities. The ARC is used for small groups of children who need support with their literacy, for physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions and for review meetings with parents and a wide range of support agencies. Children with physical disabilities arrive early in the morning where they are greeted by the co-ordinator and the team of special support assistants, who escort children to their classrooms.
  
• Langley School, Specialist College for Performing Arts and Languages
  has an Additionally Resourced Centre (ARC) for the provision of inclusive education for 16 pupils with physical and sensory disabilities. The process for admission is firstly that the LA recognises the pupil has severe or complex needs related to physical or sensory disability, severe disfigurements and or progressive conditions where impairments are likely to become, or are substantial. On that basis, a decision is made about the most appropriate educational provision for the pupil. If considered appropriate the Head Teacher is then contacted by the LA with a request to make provision for the child concerned. After due consultation with parents, the pupil, the LA and other agencies and the previous school and if a place is available then agreement is reached on the provision, the pupil is admitted onto the roll of the ARC.
  
  
  • Results are achieved through a variety of initiatives including:
  • Detailed initial assessment in Year 7 to provide a full profile of every child's strengths and weaknesses and preferred learning style.
  • In Key Stage 3, numeracy and literacy needs are supported with small group structured teaching and peer support programmes, e.g. additional literacy lessons and a paired reading scheme.
  • A member of staff who has the specific responsibility for the gifted and talented.
  • In Key Stage 4 a varied range of courses caters for all levels of ability, recognising the importance of academic and vocational elements of a balanced curriculum.
  • Setting of groups also allows pupils to be supported appropriately.

Anchor Point:sensorySensory Impairment

Staff from the Sensory Team from the Specialist Inclusion Support Service provide support for children and young people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or multi-sensory impaired.

Staff work with parents, carers and schools (mainstream and special) and settings to provide advice and support for children and young people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or multi-sensory impaired.

The Sensory Team currently includes designated provision (Hearing Impaired Centres) for primary and secondary aged hearing impaired pupils based at Peterbrook Primary School and Lyndon Secondary School. Each Centre has qualified Teachers of the Deaf/ Hearing-Impaired and Inclusion Support Assistants. Referral for places at the Centres is through the Specialist Inclusion Support Service.

Anchor Point:specialSpecial Schools

Severe Learning Difficulties

• Merstone School is a school for pupils with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties whose ages range from 2 to 19 years. The school is equipped with modern teaching aids including a wide range of computer and video equipment, facilities and physiotherapy, and specialised equipment for individual teaching requirements.
  
  The school has an Early Years Assessment Unit which caters for the assessment of pre-school children aged 2 to 5 years as well as providing for children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
  
  Students in the Sixth Form build on their independent adult living skills and have access to a work-related curriculum and the facilities offered at local colleges. Work experience placements are arranged as and when appropriate.
  
• Reynalds Cross School is situated on the same campus as Langley School, Specialist College for Performing Arts and Languages. The school caters for pupils with severe to profound multiple learning difficulties aged 2 1/5 to 19 years. Many pupils are on the Autistic Spectrum (ASD).
  
  "Kite marks" of provision awarded to the school include Beacon Status (1998-2004), Artsmark Gold, Healthy Schools Programme and Sportsmark.
  
  The school has many resource areas including a library/ICT suite, soft- play room, warm water swimming pool, two excellently equipped Food Technology kitchens and meeting rooms for our multi-professional colleagues. Each class has access to interactive whiteboards.
  
  The school offers numerous after-school clubs including badminton, football and choir.
  
  The school has ample playground facilities incorporating apparatus and a purpose built gazebo area, which offers shade in the warmer weather.
  
  Two minibuses provide Reynalds Cross School pupils with the facility to experience extra curricular activities off site and can easily accommodate wheelchair passengers.
  
  The school is divided into Lower and Upper School departments with a Sixth Form Unit.
  
  The Lower School catering for Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2 and the Upper School for Key Stages 3 and 4. The Sixth Form Unit has its own computer resource area and dining/recreation area, and is organised within the upper school framework. Sixth form students are encouraged to attend City College in their last year and work towards ASDAN accreditation.
  
  Within both Lower and Upper school there are class units which have emphasis on the pupils' specific needs ie profound multiple learning difficulties and ASD.
  
  Pupils are grouped into classes of approximately eight to ten pupils, depending on age. These groups vary from year to year. Each class has a teacher and one or more learning support assistants depending on the individual needs of pupils in the class.
  Learning support assistants may work with individuals or small groups of pupils either within or outside the class base. All staff have appropriate qualifications and most continue with their professional development through in-service training both within the school and by attending external courses.
  
  The curriculum is planned so that pupils are made increasingly aware of the outside world, with some teaching directly targeted towards preparing them for their place in society. From Early Years onwards pupils' curriculum experiences in class are enhanced by opportunities for out of school visits. Minibuses are available to take groups of pupils on educational visits or to other community facilities. Opportunities to extend the curriculum can be at other schools, both mainstream and other specialist education.
  
  The school aims are met by providing each pupil with a balanced education that is tailored to his or her individual needs. These needs are met through the content of the National Curriculum subjects, the broader curriculum of the school, and the effective home-school partnership.
  Class teachers follow the content of the National Curriculum although individual lessons will be prepared so that they cater for the level of understanding. Lessons are structured in a manner that will both help pupils to learn and foster their interest, therefore many lessons are life skills based.
  
  The subjects are set to provide a broad balanced curriculum, which is seen as a preparation for life in a plural society with many different faiths and cultures.

Moderate Learning Difficulties

• Forest Oak School is a school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties aged from 4 to 16 years old.
  In June 2006 the school relocated to a brand new building with excellent shared specialist facilities that are shared with Merstone School for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties. Sited alongside Smith's Wood Specialist Sports College, the school is working in partnership towards provision of a broader range of flexible learning opportunities, according to individual needs across the campus of the three schools.
  
  Pupils may be admitted to Forest Oak at any time of the year, however the majority of admissions take place in September. Forest Oak provides education for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and all pupils enter school with a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
  The Local Authority offers places subject to availability and suitability. Forest Oak has an inclusive ethos. This means that all pupils' needs are catered for through inclusive policies, differentiation of the curriculum and integration with access to other settings both on and off site.
  
• Hazel Oak School is an all age special school for children with moderate learning difficulties, many of whom are on the Autistic Spectrum.
  In the primary department, pupils have the opportunity to learn through play whilst developing all the skills they need to enable them to be good learners. In addition to academic elements of the curriculum, Hazel Oak School aims to develop social skills that will enable pupils to make friends and gain greater independence.
  
  Key Stage 3 has three classes and follows a secondary model. Students experience a greater range of teachers and are given the opportunity to study within specialist areas.
  
  In Key Stage 4 students take a growing responsibility for their own learning and are encouraged to make real choices in relation to the areas that they study. Students take examinations at GCSE and Entry Level in identified subjects. Vocational Courses are an important aspect of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum through the developing horticultural resource and at local colleges.

Emotional, Social and Behavioural Difficulties (ESBD)

• Lanchester School is a special school for secondary aged pupils who experience emotional, social and behavioural difficulties and who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
  Pupils may be admitted to Lanchester School at any time of the year, however the majority of admissions take place in September. The Local Authority offers places subject to availability and suitability.
  In September 2008 the school relocated to a brand new building with excellent specialist facilities. The school will be working in partnership towards provision of a broader range of flexible learning opportunities, according to individual needs.

Anchor Point:arcsSolihull Additionally Resourced Centres (ARCs)

Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties:

Bishop Wilson C E Primary School
Pike Drive
Chelmsley Wood
Birmingham
B37 7US
Tel: 0121 770 4063

Hatchford Brook Junior and Infant School
Old Lode Lane
Solihull
B92 8LW
Tel: 0121 743 4691

Alderbrook School and Arts College
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SN
Tel: 0121 704 2146

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

Widney Junior School
Clifton Crescent
Solihull
B91 3LQ
Tel: 0121 705 8516

Langley Specialist College for Performing Arts and Languages
Kineton Green Road
Olton
Solihull
B92 7ER
Tel: 0121 706 9771

Emotional, Social and Behavioural Difficulties (ESBD)

Lanchester School
Lanchester Way
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham
B36 0UE
Tel: 0121 776 7465

Physical Disabilities

Ulverley School
Rodney Road
Solihull
B92 8RZ
Tel: 0121 742 3251

Langley Specialist College for Performing Arts and Languages
Kineton Green Road
Solihull
B92 7ER
Tel: 0121 706 9771

Sensory Impairment

Lyndon School Humanities College
Daylesford Road
Solihull
B92 8EJ
Tel: 0121 743 3402

Special Schools

Severe Learning Difficulties

Merstone School
Windward Way
Smith's Wood
Birmingham
B36 0UE
Tel: 0121717 1040

Reynalds Cross School
Kineton Green Road
Solihull
B92 7ER
Tel: 0121 707 3012

Moderate Learning Difficulties

Forest Oak School
Windward Way
Smith's Wood
Birmingham
B36 0UE
Tel: 0121 717 0088

Hazel Oak School
Hazel Oak Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 2AZ
Tel: 0121 744 4162