FAQs

Yes. However, learners who are identified as having additional needs but do not yet have an EHCP, will need to undergo the Education, Health and Care Assessment Request (ECHAR) process. If capacity allows, Coombswood School may support local authorities, families, and learners in gaining an EHCP by offering a short-term placement whilst all assessments are completed. If, following assessment, a learner is given an EHCP, admission will be considered to Coombswood School in line with our Admissions Policy.

All learners have an Emotional Support Plan (ESP) which outlines their individual needs and challenges, how staff can support them, and the learner’s goals for the future. Learners update their ESP termly with support from a trusted staff member to ensure the information is accurate and relevant.

At Coombswood School, we pride ourselves on providing education that is engaging and innovative. Through a varied and differentiated curriculum we aim to teach learners how to grow into positive, responsible young people who are able to not only have a positive impact in their local community but to also successfully transition into further education, employment, volunteering and adulthood.

Coombswood School works with learners aged between 11 and 16 who have special educational needs mainly within the areas of Social and Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), Autism, and mild learning difficulties. We offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications and subjects to our learners. We also pride ourselves on the wide range of educational visits and trips which underpin our learners’ educational experiences at the school.

Our staff are highly trained in all areas of Special Educational Needs, from Social Emotional and Mental Health to Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also offer a range of training and mentoring opportunities which give our staff all the tools they need to inspire and support each learner to fulfil their potential.

We assess all learners in the areas of communication, education, and social skills development. We believe these are the foundations for lifelong success, and enable our learners to thrive in school and beyond.

Each year, an Annual SEN Review is held, which both the parents/carers and SENCo are invited to, as well as any other key professionals. At this Annual Review meeting, the progress of the learner is discussed together with any further support requirements which may need to be put in place. There is also an EHCP Review meeting that takes place as part of the Annual Review meeting at every key-stage transition period.

Learners are invited to attend their Annual SEN Review meeting so they are able to be involved in discussions about their learning and development and to provide their own feedback on their education and progress.

We believe that effective communication with parents and carers is of the utmost importance. Parents and carers are fully involved throughout their child’s time with us, from the induction process and beyond.  We believe you know your child best and your views and support are key to a positive integration and journey through our school. We communicate regularly with parents and carers, including check-in calls, and termly reports to keep you fully involved in your child’s education. We operate an ‘open door policy’ and parents and carers are welcome to visit the school at any time.

Should you have any questions regarding your child, please telephone or email us. We can arrange appointments with specific staff upon request.

Support is available on a daily, weekly or ad hoc basis. Contact us for further information.

Coombswood School has a robust induction process which is personally designed to meet the individual needs of each learner.

This process is underpinned by following a structured, academic, social and pastoral initial assessment process, capturing the views of learners and their families, creating bespoke and personalised learning plans before learners join us, and by supporting learners educationally and emotionally throughout transition and beyond.

The school prides itself on its careers programme, and we aim to ensure all learners have a positive destination beyond their school life.

Throughout their Key Stage 4, learners are provided with ample opportunities to experience different career options.

Learners have access to specific Careers lessons, where they will learn  how to write job applications and practice interview techniques. We also support learners to liaise with Post 16 Colleges to ensure they are matched with the most suitable courses when they take their next steps in education.

Through delivery of our Careers and IAG programmes, we equip every learner with the foundations, education, qualifications, skills, and opportunities needed for lifelong success.

We welcome an open dialogue with parents/carers and hope we can resolve any concerns as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns or are not happy with an aspect of the school, then please request an informal meeting with a member of school staff and/or the Principal. If this does not resolve the concern, then please refer to our Complaints Procedure which explains how parents/carers can lodge a complaint. The Complaints Procedure is available from the school office or on our website.