The Compass
Our SEND Base primarily for Year One pupils
Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre operates a SEND Base called The Compass for some of our pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and others who require a more bespoke education model.
The Compass aims to provide a bespoke education model to enable pupils to meet their academic and social potential. Each pupil has a personalised timetable and education programme within The Compass. This is agreed with staff and parents and carers through the child’s Personalised Support Plan (PSP). These plans are dependent on each pupil’s needs and adapt as the pupil develops. Pupils benefit from accessing tailored technologies that support their communication and their early reading and writing development.
The Compass is an inclusive space designed and equipped to support pupils with various additional needs. This can include but is not limited to pupils with a diagnosis of autism, speech and language difficulties or pupils who present with challenges in their social interactions. Provision within The Compass is needs-led not diagnosis-led or age-related.
Pupils attending The Compass are taught by a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Teacher and the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator who work closely alongside mainstream class teachers to create individual programmes which reflect the Year 1 curriculum and each pupil’s Personalised Support Plan (PSP). The Compass will be set up to allow children the opportunity to attend more structured lessons in a quieter environment enabling staff to address any barriers to their learning and working within a mainstream class.
Our vision is that through this approach, pupils who access The Compass will gradually be able to attend some lessons or activities in their mainstream class. As such, pupils may access The Compass on a blended basis and remain part of their base class throughout the academic year.
The Compass is situated in our main school building and comprises a main class space and a safe outdoor space that is accessible from the school’s playground.
The Compass is accessible through the main school building or via its own external entrances.
