Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Welcome to the Learning Support Department
At The Cowplain School, our Learning Support Department is committed to ensuring that every student can succeed academically, socially, and personally. Guided by our school motto Work hard. Enjoy learning. Achieve highly. we provide an inclusive environment where all learners are supported to access the curriculum, develop independence, and achieve their full potential.
In line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015), we adopt a person-centred, collaborative approach to identifying and meeting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We support students across the four broad areas of need: Communication and Interaction, Cognition and Learning, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, and Sensory and/or Physical Needs.
High-quality teaching forms the foundation of our provision. As part of our Ordinarily Available Provision, all students benefit from well-structured lessons, adaptive teaching, personalised strategies, consistent routines, and reasonable adjustments that ensure equitable access to learning. When additional support is needed, we provide targeted interventions, specialist teaching, and carefully planned programmes that reflect each student’s strengths and individual needs.
We are proud to have two Hampshire-designated Resourced Provisions (RPs): one for Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia/SpLD) and one for Communication and Interaction Needs (namely, Autism). These provisions offer enhanced support, specialised environments, and tailored interventions delivered by experienced staff.
Our department works closely with pupils, families, teachers, and external professionals to ensure that provision is effective, evidence-based, and continually reviewed. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and aspirational community where every learner feels valued and able to thrive.
If you would like further information or wish to arrange a visit to the school or our Resourced Provisions, please contact our SEN Department at sen@cowplainschool.co.uk or telephone 023 9261 2020 ext 326
Resourced Provision at The Cowplain School
The Cowplain School is proud to offer two Resourced Provisions (RP), providing enhanced support for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) whose primary needs are identified as Communication and Interaction Difficulties—Autism and Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) -Dyslexia. Placement decisions for both the Autism Unit and the Dyslexia Unit are made by Hampshire County Council SEN, in line with the SEND Code of Practice and local authority criteria.
Our Autism Resourced Provision has been thoughtfully designed to provide structured individual workstations, a calm space for pupils who require time away from the main school environment, and areas where therapeutic interventions can take place as specified within EHCPs. A dedicated sensory area is available, and pupils may choose to spend their break times within the nurture area, or the Resourced Provision, if this best supports their needs.
Students allocated a place in the Dyslexia Resourced Provision receive targeted, specialist support, including two one-to-one or small-group sessions each week with our Specialist Dyslexia Teacher. Additional in-class support is provided by trained Learning Support Assistants to promote access to the curriculum and the development of independent learning strategies.
Across both provisions, teachers and support staff receive enhanced training, and all pupils benefit from personalised Pupil Passports to ensure that their individual needs, strengths, and aspirations are well understood and effectively supported.
If you would like further information or wish to arrange a tour of the school, including a visit to either unit, please contact our SEN Department via sen@cowplainschool.co.uk or by calling 023 9261 2020 ext 326 to book an appointment.