The Local Offer describes the support and services available for children and young people with SEND in Kent.

The Abbey School has a Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) with 50 commissioned places for students with autism or a profile of need consistent with the provision. All students accessing the SRP have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Consultations are considered on the basis of each student’s needs and the support set out in their EHCP.

Our SRP is part of The Abbey School. Students belong to the wider school community and access mainstream lessons alongside specialist support and interventions tailored to their needs.

How Places are Allocated

Places in the SRP are arranged through Kent County Council’s EHCP placement process. Families can express a preference for The Abbey School and discuss this during an EHCP review or the move to secondary school. KCC consults the school about whether the provision can meet the student’s needs and considers the family’s views before deciding on a placement.

An EHCP is required for an SRP place. Consultations are considered on the student’s documented needs, the specialist support required and whether this provision is suitable; a diagnosis alone does not determine whether a place is appropriate. A visit or discussion with the school does not itself secure a place. Families seeking an SRP place should speak to their KCC EHCP caseworker or the SEND Enquiries Hub.

Our SRP Environment

Students can use dedicated SRP facilities, including social and outdoor spaces that offer a quieter alternative during unstructured times. They may come to the SRP before tutor time to check their timetable, prepare for the day and raise any concerns with staff. At lunchtime, they can use the SRP social area or the wider school facilities according to their needs and preferences.

A Flexible Approach

Every student has their own strengths and needs. Support is flexible, particularly in Years 7 and 8 as students settle into secondary school. Most students attend mainstream lessons for the majority of their timetable. The balance of lessons, interventions and SRP support is planned individually and reviewed over time.

Where appropriate, our SRP Lead, HLTA and Teaching Assistant team provide targeted work on functional communication and language, emotional regulation and resilience, social communication, LEGO®-based intervention, and friendship and relationship skills. Some students receive individual intervention where it is needed.

Learning and Achievement

We aim for students to take part as fully as possible in mainstream lessons, examinations, enrichment and wider school life, with specialist support available when needed. Timetables are adapted to individual needs while maintaining appropriate challenge and high expectations.

The majority of SRP students study towards eight GCSEs. A smaller group follows a personalised pathway with fewer or different qualifications where this better meets their learning needs and aspirations.

Working Together

Our facilities have been designed to support students with autism and similar profiles of need. Staff across the school receive training in neurodiversity and inclusive classroom practice. We work closely with students, parents and carers to review support and help each student participate in school life, including trips and extracurricular activities.

Visiting the SRP

We offer a parent and carer tour of the SRP and wider school once each term. Please contact the school for forthcoming dates or to discuss a visit. Tours help families learn about the provision; requests for a place are considered through KCC’s EHCP placement process.

If you would like to find out more about the SRP, please contact our SEND Team

If you have concerns about your child’s progress or development:

1. Speak to your child’s form tutor or subject teacher.
2. If needed, we will arrange a meeting with a member of our SEND team to discuss your child’s needs.
3. Together we will agree on next steps, which might include additional assessments, support in class, or referrals to outside professionals.

We believe early identification and working closely with families is key to ensuring the right support is in place.

How will the school support my child?

We use a graduated approach. This may involve quality first teaching, targeted interventions, and if needed, support from external specialists.

How will the school know if my child needs extra help?

Teachers continually monitor progress and will flag any concerns. We also encourage parents to speak to us if they notice anything. Together we’ll decide on next steps.

What support will my child receive?

This will depend on their individual needs. It could include in lesson supportive strategies and reasonable adjustments, differentiated teaching in class, small group interventions, or specialist input.

Will my child be included in all activities?

Yes, we work hard to make sure all students can take part in school trips, clubs and events.

How will I be kept informed?

We value strong partnerships with parents. You’ll be invited to review meetings, and can contact us at any time.

Will my child have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

Not all students with SEND need an EHCP. Many have their needs met through SEN Support. If an EHCP is appropriate, we will guide you through the assessment process.

Who do I contact if I have concerns?

Your child’s form tutor is usually the first point of contact. You can also reach out directly to our SEND team at any time.

We are here to help.

If you have any questions about SEND at The Abbey School, or would like to discuss your child’s needs, please get in touch with our SEND Team:

✉️ SEND@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk
📞 01795 532633