SEN Provision Award

sponsored by Mike Ayres Designs
Presented to the UK SEN Establishment that can demonstrate an increase in the quality of care and education services provided to students with Special Educational Needs.

2009 Winner: Hatton School and Special Needs Centre, Essex

Hatton School and Special Needs Centre in Redbridge caters for pupils who have moderate or severe learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs. The only dedicated SEN primary in Redbridge, Hatton admits up to 130 children from ages 3-11, and gained Healthy School Status in July 2008. The school and centre also has an outreach service, supporting 312 pupils in mainstream primary schools across the borough. Due to its effectiveness, there are currently plans to extend this.

Almost two thirds of the pupils have autistic spectrum disorders, and the school offers a wide range of specialist resources which enhance the educational experience. These include a purpose built gymnasium, sensory room and garden, and a spacious adventure playground.

All pupils, including those in the Nursery and Reception classes, follow a modified National Curriculum.  Schemes of work and monitoring by leaders ensure that teachers' planning is thorough and supports individualised learning. Extensive enrichment activities, both onsite and offsite, contribute highly to pupils positive experiences. Pupils also develop their understanding and awareness about the lives and faiths of other people through visits to the local community, as well as through visitors to the school, and benefit from the opportunity to attend clubs, including after school and during school holidays.

Hatton school has been particularly successful in developing the individual communication skills of students. The highly effective use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) across the school enables pupils to make excellent progress.

Hatton School has achieved remarkable improvements in the provision of care for pupils with SEN. Inspected by Ofsted in July this year, the school is now rated as Outstanding.

Commended:

Treloar School, Hampshire
Percy Hedley School, Newcastle
Tuke School, London
The Birches School, Manchester