SEND at Priory 

At Priory, every child is known, valued and supported to belong, take part, learn and thrive.

Inclusion doesn't mean every child learns in the same way or needs the same support. It means understanding each child's strengths, starting points and needs, removing the barriers they may face, and adapting so that every child can succeed. We hold high expectations for all our pupils — offering extra help where it's needed, and stretching those who are ready to go further.

This is our approach for every child, whatever their needs. Inclusion belongs in every classroom, playground, lesson, trip and club and it's shared by everyone at Priory.

Specialist provision at Priory

Alongside our mainstream classes, Priory is home to two specialist provisions that let us support a wider range of needs: Orchard, our SEN unit, and Woodlands, our resource base. Both are fully part of Priory, the children in each are Priory pupils, part of our community and included in the whole life of the school.

Orchard — our SEN unit (for children with complex needs predominantly around communication and interaction). Children in Orchard are taught mainly within the unit, in small specialist classes where the environment, teaching and support are closely tailored to them. They may join mainstream classes, activities and playtimes whenever this is right for them, so they benefit both from specialist teaching and from being part of the wider school. Orchard offers 50 places.

Woodlands — our resource base (for children with communication and interaction, cognition and learning or social, emotional and mental health difficulties). Children based in Woodlands are taught mainly in mainstream classes alongside their peers, with specialist support, adapted resources and time in the base when they need it. Woodlands gives them the extra help they need while keeping them fully part of everyday school life. Woodlands offers 40 places.

How children join Orchard or Woodlands

Places in both provisions are for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and they are arranged through Slough Borough Council rather than through the usual school application process.

If you think your child might benefit from a place, the first step is to talk to the local authority's SEND team. As part of drawing up or reviewing an EHCP, you can ask for the Priory to be considered; the council then consults the school, and if a place is agreed it is named in your child's plan. We're always glad to speak with families who are thinking about either provision. Please contact the school office or our website to book a tour. 

Accessibility at Priory

We want every child, parent and visitor to be able to access Priory fully. We work to make our building, grounds and classrooms as physically accessible as possible, and to adapt teaching, resources and the wider life of the school so that pupils with a range of needs can take part alongside their peers. We keep our facilities and practice under regular review through our Accessibility Plan, we welcome conversations with families about any adjustments that would help their child, and we aim to make our communications clear and easy to use for everyone. If you have an access need we can help with, or you'd like this information in a different format, please contact the school office.

Further Information

- SEND Policy 
- SEN Information Report 
- Accessibility Plan 
- Slough Local Offer – Education and Training: https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk/kb5/sloughcst/directory/service.page?id=1CINCtuWeAo

If you have questions or would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact our SENCO via the school office. We welcome open communication and value every family's perspective.