The St Werburgh Centre Specialist Resource Provision (SWC)
The St Werburgh Centre (SWC) is a Local Education Authority (Medway) Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) designed for students aged 11–16. This provision addresses the needs of pupils experiencing difficulties in communication and interaction. The SWC currently supports 58 pupils who hold an Education, Health and Social Care Plan (EHCP) and 18 SEN K pupils awaiting statutory assessment
Designation and Criteria for Admission:
Primary Designation: The primary Special Educational Need (SEN) designation is Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), often with associated learning difficulties.
Mandatory Requirements: All students placed at the Centre must possess an EHCP.
Specific Diagnoses: Students must have a clear diagnosis of ASC. They may also have one or more co-occurring conditions, including:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Dyspraxia.
- Hypermobility.
- Dyslexia (literacy).
- Dyscalculia (numeracy).
Suitability for Integration: Admission is based on the assessment of individual needs, ensuring the student has the potential to cope within an environment that is fully integrated with the mainstream academy, provided appropriate support is in place.
Assessment Process: Referrals are managed through Medway SEN. The Head of Centre assesses each student to ensure that their needs can be met without compromising or disrupting the efficient education of other students within the Centre or The Hundred of Hoo Academy.
Refusal of Admission: The Centre does not admit students whose presence would compromise the health and safety of pupils and/or staff or disrupt the education of existing pupils.
Model of Provision and Curriculum:
Integration Model: The SWC operates an integrated model where pupils are expected to aim for complete integration into the mainstream secondary school.
Flexibility: The Centre provides a short-term alternative if students encounter difficulties accessing classes within the academy. The general expectation is that integration levels will increase throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, working towards independence upon completion of statutory education.
Adapted Curriculum: The provision offers an adapted curriculum, environment, and teaching strategies.
Key Stage 3 Academics: Pupils are taught core subjects—English, Maths, Science, and Personal Development—in small teaching groups led by specialist staff. Once integrated into the mainstream, students are banded and streamed by ability and may receive Teaching Assistant (TA) support.
Key Stage 4: Students have access to a full range of option choices, guided in line with their academic ability and social/emotional needs.
Focus on Skills Development: The curriculum is specifically designed to accelerate independent living and social and emotional skills. They deliver activities aimed at enhancing confidence, resilience, and independence.
Assessment Support: The SWC regularly liaises with examination boards to implement appropriate access arrangements to maximise attainment in external examinations.
Support Structure and Staffing:
Key Leadership: Mr Lee Webb, Assistant Principal: Director of Inclusion, Mrs Etty Haworth, Assistant Principal, SENCO and Miss Kate Cadman, Head of St Werburgh Centre.
Socio-Emotional Support: Social and emotional support is prioritised alongside academic support. Students have access to an enhanced support team, which includes:
- The SENCo and Head of St Werburgh Centre.
- A Social Skills Coordinator.
- The Engagement and Mentoring team.
- School Counsellors, MIND, and the Emotional Wellbeing Team (formerly ELSA).
- Sensory Circuits leads and SEN lunchtime supervisors.
External Links: The Centre liaises closely with specialist external colleagues, including the Medway Educational Psychology Team, the Disability Team, The Owl Company (for Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy), and Kent Autistic Trust. They also have access to the Leigh Academy Trust Education Psychology team.
Inclusion: The Academy holds the Inclusive Schools Quality Mark (ISQM). Centre pupils are actively included in all mainstream activities and trips, which are individually risk assessed and supported to maximise impact.
Review and Transition:
Provision Review: Individual provision maps are regularly reviewed and updated, and evaluated for impact and value for money. The provision implements Medway’s SEND banding system, which is scrutinised by the local authority.
Transition Planning: The SWC aims to ensure positive transitions by implementing a bespoke package for each student. All appropriate agencies are involved to ensure smooth processes.
Pre-Entry: Prior to admission, students are encouraged to visit the Centre and school, and an extensive transition programme is offered during the summer term before entry. Additional visits are arranged for pupils with SEN who require extra time to acclimatise to the new school. The Head of Centre may conduct additional visits to discuss SEN needs and SEND Annual Reviews of all Year 6 pupils.