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) that supports students with specific needs. The SRP provides tailored support in small groups alongside opportunities to access mainstream classes.

The SRP (Specialist Resourced Provision) at The Abbey School is a specialist provision with 44 commissioned places for students on the Autistic Spectrum. Within this provision, each student has an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) where the primary need is identified as ASD. Students are able to use their own open space, separate from the main school playground during unstructured times, as well as access to the SRP where they would attend interventions.

Students access the provision in the morning before going to tutor groups in order to give them time to check their timetables and an opportunity to discuss any issues with staff. Students can choose to access our own social area at lunch or if appropriate, use the main school facilities. All students access the main school for the majority of their lessons.

However, there is a flexible approach to this in Years 7 and 8 depending on each individual student’s need. Within the SRP, we offer a range of programmes for those students who require it delivered by our speech and language therapist or speech and language practitioner. These might include some or all of the following: functional communication skills, language groups, emotional resilience groups, Lego intervention and friendship skills groups.

The aim of the provision is to enable each student to be fully included in main school lessons and to study the full range of KS3 and KS4 examination courses and enrichment activities whilst still providing the appropriate support around their diagnosis. Students have a timetable which takes account of their individual needs, providing the appropriate level of support, but has a significant level of challenge built within it.

All students join everyone else in taking part in their school activities. Students wishing to be considered for a place in the SRP should ideally be working at year 5 expected levels in order to be able to fully access the secondary curriculum we offer however if your child is working at a lower expected level than this, please discuss this directly with us. The majority of students sit 8 GCSEs with a smaller cohort accessing an alternative pathway with a reduced number of qualifications to reflect their academic ability and being mindful of not overloading students.

The SRP and facilities have been carefully designed for students with ASD and other students with learning difficulties to enhance accessibility. As a school, all staff have received training in working with students with ASC as well as other neurodiverse conditions. We always aim to work closely in conjunction with our parents and carers to ensure that we fully meet the needs of every child. The Abbey School aims to be a fully inclusive school where all students with SEND can access the same learning and extracurricular opportunities as their peers. If you wish to visit the school and the SRP please contact the school to make an appointment. The school offers a parent tour of the SRP and school once a term.

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@abbeyschoofaversham.co.uk
📞 01795 532633