Our Specialist Base (DSP) is for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) whose primary need is Speech, Language and Communication.

Children are members of both the Specialist Base (DSP) and their mainstream year group.

This means they benefit from:

✔ specialist teaching

✔ personalised communication support

✔ speech and language therapy

✔ opportunities to learn alongside their peers

✔ being fully involved in school life

Every child's timetable is personalised to meet their individual needs

What does a typical day look like?

Throughout the week, children may:

• learn in the Specialist Base (DSP)
• join their mainstream class for lessons
• work in small groups
• access Speech and Language Therapy
• enjoy outdoor learning
• develop independence through life skills
• take part in assemblies, PE, trips, clubs and special events.

Our aim is to provide the right support at the right time while helping every child feel part of the wider school community.

How do we support communication?

Communication is at the heart of everything we do.

Across the whole school we use communication-friendly approaches including:

• Makaton
• Widgit symbols
• Colourful Semantics
• visual timetables
• structured routines

These strategies help children understand language, communicate confidently and access learning successfully wherever they are in school.

Makaton sign language helps the children focus and understand the key words of the language being used.

Visual signs, instructions and timetables to help the children understand what is happening in the day.

Widgit is a computer programme that puts a symbol picture above a typed word. It gives the children who find reading tricky another framework of support.

Colourful Semantics is a scheme that gives the key words a colour, helping children to structure both their written and verbal sentences.

Cued Articulation is a system of finger movements done near the mouth to help support the children with their articulation.

Learning and Progress

Children follow the same broad curriculum as their peers, with teaching carefully adapted to meet their individual strengths and needs.

Alongside English, Maths and our REAL curriculum, children also develop:

• communication skills
• independence
• social interaction
• confidence
• life skills

We work closely with NHS Speech and Language Therapists and regularly review each child's progress against their EHCP outcomes to ensure they continue to make positive progress.

Inclusion at Barley Croft

Our Specialist Base (DSP) is part of one school community.

Children take part in all aspects of school life, including:

• playtimes and lunchtimes
• assemblies
• PE
• school trips
• performances
• celebrations
• residential visits (where appropriate)
• enrichment opportunities

Inclusion is carefully planned so every child can participate in a way that supports both their learning and communication needs.

Working Together with Families

Parents and carers are an important part of every child's journey.

We work closely together through:

• regular communication
• parent meetings
• annual EHCP reviews
• meetings with professionals
• WEDUC updates

Our shared goal is to help every child feel confident, successful and happy in school.

Meet the Specialist Base (DSP) Team

Our experienced and caring team works together to ensure every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn.

We build strong relationships with each child, getting to know their strengths, interests and individual communication needs. By working closely with families, our SENDCo, NHS Speech and Language Therapists and other professionals, we provide consistent support that helps every child make progress.

Lucy Smith
Specialist Base (DSP) Lead

Lucy leads the Specialist Base (DSP), working closely with families, colleagues and external professionals to ensure every child receives the right support at the right time. She is passionate about creating an inclusive environment where children feel they belong, grow in confidence and develop the communication skills they need to become successful learners.

Vicki Stoddart, Sally Clayton, Emma H
Teaching Assistants

Our dedicated teaching assistants are at the heart of our Specialist Base (DSP). They build positive relationships with every child, providing consistent support throughout the school day. Whether working in the Specialist Base (DSP), alongside children in mainstream classes or during wider school activities, they help pupils develop their communication, confidence, independence and friendships while ensuring every child feels included and supported.

NHS Speech and Language Therapy Service

Our NHS Speech and Language Therapists work closely with the Specialist Base (DSP) team to assess pupils, set personalised therapy targets and provide specialist advice. Therapy programmes are reinforced throughout the school day so children have regular opportunities to practise their communication skills in meaningful situations.

Admissions

Places within the Specialist Base (DSP) are allocated through the Local Authority EHCP process.

If you would like to find out more about our provision, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

Our Commitment

At Barley Croft, our Specialist Base (DSP) is built on the belief that every child deserves to:

Belong

to a caring and inclusive school community.

Believe

in themselves, their abilities and their future.

Become

confident communicators, successful learners and independent young people.

We are proud to provide a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their potential.