Pupils are educated in small teaching groups, (6-14 pupils depending on complexity of need as indicated on their EHCP), matched according to ability and social emotional development and allocated a Class Tutor and usually 1 Teaching Assistant who get to know the individual needs of each of their tutees very well and who are the first point of contact.

Pupils are encouraged to share their worries, concerns or offer their views, opinions or suggestions on how to improve their learning experience at an appropriate time with their Teaching Assistant or Tutor, Headteacher or any member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Oak Lodge School also receives support from Hampshire SEND Speech and Language Therapy for pupils who have additional speech and language needs indicated on their EHCP. SMILE Therapy, Lego Therapy, using a narrative approach and vocabulary development groups are currently offered where appropriate to support social communication of pupils with more complex communication needs.

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR MY CHILD'S OVERALL WELLBEING?

The class tutor is responsible for the day to day well-being of their pupils. Where appropriate, pupils have an Individual Health Care Plan which identifies their care needs including personal care needs or the administration of medication. It also identifies emergency procedures to be followed, where appropriate.

Supporting our pupils’ emotional, mental health and wellbeing is a priority area; please see policy “Mental Health and Wellbeing”. Oak Lodge School received the AcSEED Award, a nationally recognised accreditation, recognising the school’s contribution to supporting mental health and wellbeing of pupils. We are committed to multi agency working to ensure that the needs of the whole child are met.

Promoting good emotional, mental health and wellbeing linked to good physical health is approached throughout our curriculum and specifically our Personal Development curriculum, with wellbeing workshops offered by supporting charity based agencies “Solent Mind Heads UP project” and “It’s Your Choice”. It also has a robust Anti bullying policy as part of the Positive Behaviour Management Policy, reinforced through the PD curriculum and focus assemblies and pupils are selected to become Peer Mentors.

Pupils with more complex emotional health needs can be identified by tutors/ class Teaching Assistant to Laura Barr (SENDCo) or Christian Vine (Assistant Headteacher) as requiring additional support and the most appropriate intervention allocated.

The school has:

· Trained ELSAs who receive on-going training and supervision from the Educational Psychology Service.

· Staff who have completed additional mental health training from CAMHS

· Good communication with our local CAMHS team for pupils open to this service