THE approach to supporting children with SEND at Ruardean Church of England Primary School is helping shape a rollout of Specialist Bases in local schools.

The base at the Ruardean primary school supports children with communication and interaction needs.

Children receive support tailored to their individual needs while being able to learn, play and socialise alongside other pupils.

The school has seen children build confidence and independence, gradually spending more time in mainstream lessons and preparing for secondary school.

Gloucestershire County Council’s said developing more Specialist Bases is part of its SEND reform implementation plan, which aims to provide more support to children earlier and closer to home.

Ione Haroun, Headteacher at Ruardean Church of England Primary School, said: “It means that we have a really inclusive setting that is targeted towards the children and their specific needs.

“If we have children that start to attend when they’re in Year 1 or Year 2, we can see the impact of having that specialist setting initially, giving them the skills they need and then the ability to go into the mainstream when they get a little bit older.

“It’s individual children, individual needs, and what is the best thing for them.”

Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “What we’re seeing at Ruardean shows the difference the right support can make. Children can get specialist help while still learning, making friends and feeling part of their school community.

“We want more children and families across Gloucestershire to benefit from this approach. Expanding Specialist Bases will help us provide more support closer to home, giving children the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The reforms will be introduced in phases between this year and 2029.