Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information Report

Provides key information about our specialist Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision and support approach.

As a specialist further education provider supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities, The Ark Specialist College is required to publish information about our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. This report fulfils that requirement.

The Needs We Support

All learners at The Ark hold an Education, Health and Care Plan. We have specialist expertise in supporting young people with: autism spectrum conditions; mild to profound learning disabilities; communication and interaction difficulties (including AAC users); social, emotional and mental health needs; and complex and multiple needs.

How We Identify and Assess Needs

Needs are identified through the EHCP, assessment reports provided at referral, a baseline assessment completed at the start of the placement, and ongoing observation and review by key workers and specialist staff.

How We Provide Support

Support is provided through: individual learning plans (ILPs) mapped to EHCP outcomes; high staff ratios; named key workers; therapeutic and wellbeing input; communication support (AAC, PECS, Makaton, SALT); community and life skills sessions; and family partnership. All support is reviewed termly and adjusted in response to progress and need.

Involving Learners and Families

Learners are central to their own planning. We use accessible, person-centred approaches to involve every learner in decisions about their education. Families are kept informed and involved through regular communication, termly progress reviews and EHCP annual reviews.

External Specialist Support

Where learners require specialist support beyond our in-house capacity, we work with a range of external professionals including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, mental health services and health professionals. All external input is coordinated through the learner's key worker and family.

Transition Support

We provide structured transition support for learners joining The Ark and for learners moving on from The Ark to other provision or adult services. Transition planning begins at least two terms before a planned move and involves the learner, family, local authority and any receiving provision.

Training and Expertise

All staff receive specialist Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) training appropriate to their role, including autism awareness, communication approaches, positive behaviour support, trauma-informed practice and safeguarding. Staff qualifications and ongoing CPD are monitored by the Principal.