Specialist Inclusion Support Service (SISS)

Last updated: 20/03/2024

SISS provides a service for mainstream schools to support them in planning their provision for individual children and young people with SEN. The target group for the service includes those children and young people who have been identified as requiring special educational provision and who have significant learning difficulties in relation to the broad area described in the SEND Code of Practice as ‘Cognition and Learning’.

 

Who to contact

Contact Name
Karen Bartlett
Contact Position
Learning Support Services Manager
Telephone
01635 503646
E-mail
Karen.bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk

Where to go

Name
West Berkshire Council
Address
Market Street
Newbury
Berkshire
Postcode
RG14 5LD
Notes

The service is available to all mainstream schools and academies in West Berkshire and to schools and academies in neighbouring Local Authorities who have children eligible for the service and who are West Berkshire residents. If capacity allows the service can be provided to schools in other Local Authorities for children who are not resident in West Berkshire, although there is a charge for this.

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Term Time in school hours
Time of day
Afternoon
Morning

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

There is a referral form.  This must be completed showing parental consent and sent with all relevant documents.

Local Offer

Description

The Specialist Inclusion Support Service (SISS) is provided by staff from the Local Authority's Special Schools - Brookfield's School and The Castle School.

The aims of the service are:

  • To promote the inclusion of pupils with SEN in mainstream schools
  • To share with mainstream schools the expertise and resources available in special schools
  • To support the improvement of the quality of provision for pupils with SEN in mainstream schools
  • To support positive outcomes for pupils with SEN in mainstream schools.

The Specialist Inclusion Support Service can provide:

  • Advice for staff on the child’s learning needs, including specific assessments where appropriate
  • Curriculum access/differentiation
  • Teaching strategies
  • Target setting/SAPs
  • Advice on teaching specific subjects to pupils with SEN
  • Advice on transition
  • A written outcome with recommendations, including practical strategies
  • Training for school staff in relation to the pupil’s special educational needs, including visits to observe teaching at the special school, where  appropriate.

 

Contact Name
Karen Bartlett
Contact Telephone
01635 503646
Contact Email
Karen.bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk
SEN Provision Type
Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Speech & Language Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disability, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties
Local Offer Age Bands
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
Needs Level
High
Medium
Low

General Provider

Is your service accessible? (consider in general terms how you make your service accessible, in addition to any specific premises issues)

Please let us know of any additional needs we should consider when working with your child.

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

The expected range of attainment/support/provision for children/young people suitable for SISS involvement are:

FS: Require a high level of individual support and a highly individualised timetable to access learning.

KS1: Working at standard 1 or 2 at the end of KS1 and requires a high level of individual support and individualised timetable to access learning.

KS2: Attainment is at the lower end of KS1 ARE, or P scales, likely to be at Pre-key stage 2 Standards 1 to 4 at the end of KS2. Requires a high level of individual support and individualised timetable to access learning.

KS3 & 4: Unlikely to gain pass grades at GCSE. Requires a high level of individual support and individualised timetable to access learning.

How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)
  • Complete the referral form for SISS
  • Include copies of necessary paperwork, e.g. SAPs, EHC Plan, professional reports, pupil timetable
  • The referral should clearly indicate:
    • The SEN Stage
    • The pupil’s needs are related to very significant cognition and learning difficulties
    • The pupil’s attainment is well below expected for his/her age group, both current attainment and anticipated end of stage attainment
    • The provision is highly personalised
    • Two cycles of support have been planned and reviewed
    • Advice of specialists has been incorporated into the support and provision
    • A parent signature to confirm consent has been given for the service to become involved.
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services? (include timescales for responding to referrals and accessing services)

Referrals are discussed at the Specialist Inclusion Support Service Panel, this is held monthly in term time. Schools are contacted within a week of the panel meeting to give the result of the referral. When a referral is accepted, contact is made with the school within 4 weeks of the panel meeting.

Who provides / funds your service?
Local Authority
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
No
Feedback and complaints procedure

Concerns or issues should be discussed with the relevant member of staff from the service. Feedback can also be given to Karen Bartlett, Learning Support Services Manager karen.bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk

 

How will I know my child will be safe using this service?

The staff are all CRB checked and receive regular training in safeguarding.

Quality checks

  • DBS check

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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