Background

Over recent years, the needs of pupils admitted to special schools have become more complex.  Spaces within special schools are limited, and children who previously had been admitted to special schools will now need supporting in mainstream settings. The BUCKS SEND Education Sufficiency Strategy 2022-27 suggests 42% of pupils with an EHC are being educated within mainstream settings, and forecasting predicts additional 745 pupils with EHCPs will be accommodated within mainstream schools by 2026.

At Chiltern Wood School the demand for places had greatly increased, and the needs we cater for have become more complex over several years. As our complex cohort has grown, the spaces for children with moderate to severe needs has diminished. In addition to this, the children who leave us at year 6 has decreased dramatically. Due their complex needs, most children are unable to access other specialist secondary schools in the local area and remain with us until age 19. Our school has not grown in size to accommodate this change, therefore our secondary cohort has doubled and we have lost approximately 6 primary classrooms. Children who several years ago might have been given a specialist placement, are now remaining in mainstream schools and additional resources provisions (ARPs).

 

Our Expertise

Chiltern Wood Special School caters for 205 pupils with severe, complex or profound learning needs. Our pupils have a broad range of needs including: global developmental delay, Down’s syndrome, autism spectrum condition, sensory processing disorders and speech, language and communication needs.

We believe strongly in creating lasting partnerships with our local mainstream colleagues in order to share good practice, develop knowledge of SEND needs, and improve school SEND processes. Our highly specialist teachers and leaders are uniquely placed to offer support to teaching assistants, teachers, SENCOs, and parents.

 
Our Offer

We understand that every setting has a unique set of circumstances with a wide variety of cohorts, knowledge, experience and finances. As such, we have designed a menu of support that can be tailor-made to your school. We also recognise settings such as nurseries and other educational providers (such as teacher training providers) may be interested in learning more. To discuss your specific needs further please use the following contact details and we will aim to get back to you within 7-10 working days:

 

Claire May (Assistant Headteacher & Outreach Lead)
E: outreach@chilternwood.bucks.sch.uk 
T: 07748 588655