Supporting pupils with SEND

Many independent schools have formed partnerships designed to provide valuable support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These important initiatives are often holistic, offering opportunities for academic, social, and emotional development.

Wellington College and Carwarden House Community School are celebrating ten years of a partnership that spans friendship, enrichment, joint projects, fundraising and even work experience.

A cohort of up to 15 pupils from Carwarden House (aged 16 to 19 with complex learning and additional needs) and a group drawn from Wellington’s fifth form (Year 11) come together every Wednesday. The programme launches with an induction for the Wellington pupils on how different learning needs manifest, seeing potential and managing challenges. The group then unites for teamwork and bonding. The routine settles into a series of weekly activities held at Wellington for one half term, and at Carwarden for the next. Switching locations allows both sets of pupils to lead on the programme planning and delivery. It also allows pupils in different year groups that are no longer involved in the partnership to bump into their old friends.

Sports and games, arts and crafts, music and outdoor adventure activities underpin the programme, but of particular note are the joint projects and work experience that tend to take a half term each. The group tackles challenges together such as clearing and upgrading a garden area; or refurbishing a classroom at Carwarden House. The funds required for the materials for these projects are often raised independently by Wellington pupils. The group also volunteers together on a local hospital ward, benefiting the patients there whilst providing all the pupils with essential work experience.

“Our Carwarden students develop their social and interactive skills, they make lifelong friendships… The transformation of the students at the beginning of year compared to at the end is truly an amazing thing to see!” – A member of staff at Carwarden House