At Gordano School, high quality adaptive teaching is the Universal Provision for all pupils.  This approach ensures that teaching and learning is scaffolded to enable pupils of varying abilities to be able to access the learning.  Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do with a school culture that embraces diversity and ensures that all students, including those with SEND, feel welcome, valued, and supported to participate fully in school life. SENDCos and the Inclusion Team work collaboratively with the wider school team to ensure that all pupils have access to a positive experience at Gordano School.

We prioritise being available to our students in order to support their development into happy and independent adults.  Challenge Partners have accredited Gordano school for its inclusion as an area of excellence stating that ‘students talked about how much help and support they get in and outside the classroom including the extensive pastoral support on offer and within the SEND provision’.  ‘Students feel listened to and cared for, which makes it easier for them to learn.’

Student Support Faculty

The Student Support Team is made up of a team of dedicated, experienced and trained staff.  This consists of a Lead and Deputy SENDCo, both with many years of experience of SEND and both hold the National Award for SEN Coordination accreditations. 

Our SEND specialist teachers are highly skilled and qualified.  These teachers are responsible for delivering highly scaffolded literacy and numeracy to pupils with a range of SEND needs who require support in addition to the Universal Provision.

The Support Staff Team consists of higher-level Teaching Assistants, each with specialisms in one of the four areas of SEND (Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Sensory & Physical). These staff members deliver targeted support and interventions for pupils. In addition, in class support staff specialise in the needs of individual pupils and support their learning with the classroom.

The Provisions

In response to the growing number of pupils attending mainstream school with a variety of SEND needs, Gordano continues to develop the SEND provision offer to ensure that current and future pupils needs are supported for them to flourish.

Student Support currently consists of:

Core Support: SEND provision for numeracy and literacy by SEND experienced teachers.

Student Support: A classroom dedicated to SEND pupils to access throughout the school day to receive the support they require from dedicated SEND staff.  

Student support 2: An area for pupils to access when they require a sensory break or quiet time.  This room is equipped to support sensory difficulties and wellbeing.  

Learning support 3: A dedicated classroom with staff to support pupils with a range of SEMH needs. Support and interventions take place within this calming environment.

All the above rooms are open every break time for pupils to access a range of activities to promote social skill, wellbeing and support from the dedicated staff of the SEND team.

The Secret Garden: A dedicated, woodland area that consists of a forest area, seating area, winding paths, tree swings and a fire pit. This wonderful resource provides a magical experience for pupils and supports all areas of SEND. 

Emotionally Based School Avoidance Programme

In collaboration with the Inclusion Team, we provide a programme to support pupils with high levels of anxiety who find attending or are at risk of finding attending school challenging.  This programme is delivered by the Pastoral Team and specialist SEMH staff within the Student Support Team and is tailored to each pupil.

Enhanced Transition

Gordano understands that transition is a challenging time for Year 6 pupils, especially those with SEND. Working closely with our feeder primary schools within the Portishead area, we offer an enhanced transition to Year 6 pupils with SEND. This programme consists of a tour, meeting the Student Support staff and fun transition activities which include activities in our Secret Woodland Garden.

Future Provisions

As we continue to welcome growing numbers of pupils will SEND, Gordano continues to evaluate the effectiveness of its SEND provisions and in response, are making plans to continue our commitment to providing the highest levels of inclusive education for all pupils. We are developing new provisions to facilitate the learning and development of current and future pupils with a range of SEND needs.

Our new provision ‘The Compass’ will initially be a specialised provision for Year 7 pupils with EHCPs. Pupils will be taught non practical subjects within a small group setting by specialist subject teachers and supported by a TA. This ensures that pupils receive the highest quality education while supporting their SEND needs within a nurturing environment. The provision will be equipped with a Sensory Room to support pupils’ wellbeing, and they will receive targeted interventions individualised to their SEND needs.

ASD Provision

Working closely with North Somerset LEA, Gordano continues to strive to develop and adapt to meet the needs of current and future pupils.  A bespoke building, commissioned by the LEA will be built. This provision will provide places for a number of pupils with Autism. The base will provide individualised support to pupils from specialist staff to address each pupil’s unique learning style and needs.

To contact the SEND/Student Support Team please use our email address SEND@gordanoschool.org.uk and follow us on Twitter @SENDatgordano