Supported at school - building skills for life

SHSB proudly values the abilities and achievements of all and is committed to providing each student with the best possible environment for learning. Some students may have difficulties during their school life and every student will be helped to try to overcome these.  Central to our ethos is that we set all students on the path towards young adulthood with the highest aspirations and equipped to make a positive and worthwhile contribution to society.

The provision for pupils with SEND is a whole-school responsibility and our intention is always to provide support in such a way as to meet the needs of pupils, without making them feel unnecessarily different from their peers.  This is most effective when the school, pupil and parents are working closely towards shared goals.

Throughout a pupil’s time at SHSB, we aim to ensure:

• The views of the pupil are always considered
• There is regular, positive home/school communication
• All parties have confidence in the diagnosis of SEND and are fully informed of the best strategies to meet the pupil’s SEND.
• Positive and constructive advice, support and strategies are provided by relevant external agencies.
• Reasonable adjustments are made and support provided to ensure pupils with SEND have the same opportunities as all pupils
• An emphasis is placed on providing pupils with SEND the skills to manage their difficulties as independently as possible and be prepared for life after school.

The SENDCo at SHSB is Gareth March; please contact via enquiries@shsb.org.uk.

Information about Southend Borough Council’s ‘Local Offer’ can be found here: www.livewellsouthend.com

11+ Tests

Through the CSSE procedures it is possible for special arrangements to be made with regard to pupils with SEND and disabilities (including medical issues) sitting the 11+ selective tests.

Autism Resource Base

To welcome and support pupils with additional challenges in their educational lives is central to our school ethos and it was with great excitement that we welcomed the first cohort into the Autism Resource Base (ARB) at Southend High School for Boys in September 2023.   The base provides the transitionary environment that gives pupils direct access to a mainstream curriculum, alongside specialised accommodation, support and resources. Admissions to the ARB are overseen by Southend City Council and places are available to a limited number of pupils with both an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and evidence of an autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Please see the leaflet attached below.