The Kingsbrook School

SEND - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

The Kingsbrook School is a mainstream secondary school with a specialist provision called The ARC.  For information regarding the ARC please Click Here.

At The Kingsbrook School, in our mainstream provision, we are dedicated to providing an ambitious, inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment where every student can achieve and flourish.  Our mainstream SEND provision is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring they receive the support they require to achieve their full potential.

Children with SEND will often benefit academically from an inclusive setting and – with appropriate support – will reach their full potential. Exposure to the mainstream curriculum creates positive challenge and promotes higher expectations for their academic success. 

(Whole School SEND, 2024)

We recognise that all students, irrespective of need, benefit from different approaches to teaching and learning.  Research suggests that when focusing on overcoming and removing barriers to learning by understanding each student individually, and using the graduated approach, we can address a large proportion of needs effectively.  Therefore, teachers in the mainstream provision at The Kingsbrook School use adaptive and responsive teaching to address these diverse needs.  Through the use of Class Profiles, staff are aware of the varying demographics of their class, and how best to support them.  By using a wide array of strategies, we can boost overall engagement and improve academic outcomes.

Our provision aims to support a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, including those students with medical needs, ensuring that all students receive the appropriate support and accommodations. We work collaboratively with students, parents, and external agencies to create individualised Person-Centred Learning Plans, and SEND Support Plans where appropriate to address each student's unique needs.

The SEND department is led by the Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo). They are supported by an Assistant SENDCo (whole school), SEND Administrator, and a strong team of dedicated Assistant Teachers.

Our Assistant Teachers are essential to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. They work closely with teachers to provide personalised support, ensuring every student receives the necessary assistance whilst developing independence.  Our Assistant Teachers support the class as a whole, under the direction of the teacher.   Trained in delivering targeted interventions, our Assistant Teachers also facilitate small group activities, and one-on-one sessions. Their efforts help bridge gaps in understanding and promote confidence and independence in learning.

Beyond academics, our Assistant Teachers contribute to the social and emotional well-being of students by building positive relationships and offering encouragement. They are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in SEND provision, adhering to the SEND Code of Practice and regularly reviewing our practices with the latest research. Our proactive approach ensures that we are always ready to meet the evolving needs of our students and to celebrate their achievements.

Teaching, Learning and Interventions

To a great extent, good teaching for pupils with send is good teaching for all as searching for a ‘magic bullet’ can distract teachers from the powerful strategies they often already possess. 

(EEF, 2020)

We recognise that all learners benefit from quality first teaching and appropriate Ordinarily Available Provision (as outlined by Buckinghamshire Council). We set high expectations for all and believe that every student can achieve the desired learning outcome.  To support learners to do this we ensure a well-planned curriculum, we are proactive, and we plan for and prepare appropriate adaptations in advance. We carefully consider the role of Assistant Teachers (ATs) within lessons, ensuring that students continue to develop independence in their learning. We also recognise the need to be reactive by responding and adapting our teaching in real time. By doing this, we can give all our students the best chance of achieving a deeper level of learning.

Once a student has been identified as having a Special Educational Need or Disability, their individual needs will be shared with staff via a variety of means including Class Profiles, and Person-Centred Learning Plans.  These documents will outline their needs and how they can be supported by teachers through Quality First Teaching. If a student requires targeted or specialised support or intervention outside of the usual curriculum, this will be identified in the SEND Support Plan and delivered through one or more of the interventions offered in school. 

The range of interventions we offer is varied and student-centred. Appropriate interventions are determined by the SEND team following analysis of each students' individual needs, which may be identified on their EHCP.  We strive to provide the appropriate interventions for all students, whilst recognising that qulity first teaching for students in the classroom with their peers is essential for good progress.

The Orchards is a dedicated space at The Kingsbrook School designed to support the diverse needs of students in the mainstream school. It provides a quiet and structured environment for interventions based on individual student needs.

The Orchards features regulation stations and a sensory room, providing students with the tools and spaces they need to manage their emotions and sensory needs effectively. These resources are essential for helping students maintain their well-being and readiness for learning throughout the school day.

The Orchards is a hub for targeted interventions, where students can receive tailored support to address specific challenges and enhance their overall development. Our dedicated team works closely with each student to ensure they receive the personalised attention and resources they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. The Orchards also includes a social pod, offering a space where students can develop their social skills in a supportive environment at break and lunch time.

Further Information

For more information please see our SEND Information Report (Click Here) or to discuss how we can support your child, please contact our SEND department at send@kingsbrook.org.uk or 01296 761401.

For more information about services and support for SEND please visit your Local Authority’s Local Offer website.

Buckinghamshire Council Local Offer

https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/send/

Together, we can create a positive and enriching educational experience for every student where they can achieve and flourish.