Resourced Provision for Speech & Language
“My son, Theo, has attended the WHPS S&L Unit from September 2022 to January 2026, and what a journey it has been! When he first joined he could barely string together four words. He had significant delays across most areas of communication, was still struggling with physiotherapy, and was emotionally very delayed, among other challenges and what the team has done for Theo since then is nothing short of extraordinary. They don’t just focus on a child’s immediate needs; they look at the bigger picture, understand the broader support required, and work closely with families to achieve it... I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to every staff member at WHPS for being such an important part of Theo’s journey, for being his extended family, and for giving him a safe space to grow. He would not be who he is today without your patience, guidance, and remarkable commitment. -Resourced provision parent.
A specialist class for complex speech and language needs.
At West Horndon Primary School, we understand and celebrate every child as an individual and are proud to be an inclusive school. This is reflected, not least, in our Resourced Provision for children with specific Speech and Language conditions. This provision is based in Chestnut Class. Children within Chestnut Class have access to intensive speech therapy sessions and a higher adult:pupil ratio.
Children also integrate with their mainstream peers for many lessons benefiting from the 'best of both worlds'.
The statutory curriculum is delivered through quality-first teaching to meet every child's needs and ensure they make progress over time. All children in the provision are recognised as having a significant speech and language condition. We do not offer a model of 1:1 in the provision as per Essex Local Authority guidelines.
The enhanced provision unit is amazing for children who need extra support and help with their speech. The progress these children make is incredible and must be so rewarding for not only them but the teachers as well. They really do work so hard alongside the children. -Resourced provision parent.
Admissions Process
Admission into our Resourced Provision follows a ‘Dual Registration Model’. This means pupils will begin their school experience in a mainstream school of their parents’ choosing. During the Autumn Term, specialist staff at West Horndon Primary School will conduct school visits with our colleagues in the NHS to assess suitability for a place at our Resourced Provision. If speech and/or language difficulties are not deemed to be the child’s primary need, we will not continue the process as the child would be unsuitable for a place. If specialist staff at West Horndon Primary School and specialist staff at the NHS agree on suitability, we will offer a Dual Registration Placement (DRP). This simply means the pupil will remain on roll at the original mainstream school and will stay on their roll for as long as they remain at West Horndon Resourced Provision. When staff at West Horndon Primary School and the NHS agree the child has finished their placement at West Horndon Resourced Provision, they will return to the mainstream school they remain dual registered at.
Wider Opportunities
Despite the bespoke needs of children with speech and language conditions, we also recognise that developing social skills beyond the classroom and opportunities to communicate with a wide range of people is also highly valuable. As such, we endeavour to offer a range of chances for children from the Resourced Provision to integrate with their mainstream peers and Chestnut Class are very much part of the school community. Chestnut class benefit from a bespoke and adapted curriculum offer with a focus in developing social and communication skills. In addition, regular opportunities to communicate and practise developing speech and language skills are provided through a regular variety of educational visits that promote speaking and listening. All of the aforementioned is part of our ongoing transition programme which increases the chances of a successful return mainstream primary education at the original school.
Our daughter is a confident child who can now express herself fully and speak clearly in a way that can be understood by others. That is all down to the staff in the enhanced provision. We will be forever grateful - Resourced Provision Parent
Visits
For general information about our special educational needs provision, choose the SEND & Disability option in the 'About Us' tab, or simply click on the link below.
