SEND support at Nacro Education

At Nacro Education, we are committed to helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) recognise their potential and be who they want to be.

Our experienced SEND support staff create safe, inclusive, and personalised learning environments that are tailored to each student.

Our SEND provision is available across all Nacro Education centres and at Totton College, ensuring consistent, high‑quality support.

Our curriculum offer

We provide a personalised, vocationally focused programme designed around each student’s interests, abilities, and career goals.

Tailored vocational programmes offered in a range of qualification sizes
Individualised learning pathways aligned to future employment or training
Embedded Maths and English within vocational learning
Real‑world learning through: work experience, supported placements, community projects, employer engagement and industry links

Teaching and learning support

Our teaching is flexible, responsive, and shaped around how each student learns best.

Adaptive teaching approaches tailored to individual needs
High staff‑to‑student ratios for personalised support and engagement
Low‑stimulus classrooms designed to reduce anxiety and support focus
Very small group sizes (usually between 8 – 14 students)
Regular assessment of progress, targets, and tutorial reviews
Access arrangements in place to ensure fair participation in learning and assessments
Adapted resources including visual aids, chunked instructions and multi-sensory approaches

Staff work closely with learners and apprentices to help them develop positive attitudes towards their training. Many learners start with significant barriers. Staff support them to enjoy and value their studies, including subjects like English and mathematics where many learners had previously had negative experiences.

Ofsted ‘Good’ report, 2024

Pastoral and wellbeing support

Student wellbeing is central to everything we do.

Daily check‑ins to support emotional regulation, attendance, and readiness to learn
Access to quiet spaces and time‑out arrangements when needed
Mental health and safeguarding support, with signposting to external agencies where appropriate
Confidence‑building, communication, independence, and resilience development through tutorials, skills sessions and THRIVE lessons

SEN and additional support

We put the right support in place to help every student succeed.

Dedicated student support roles
Profile assessments to understand individual needs
SEN related targets embedded into learning plans
Personalised risk assessments
Positive engagement support plans

Preparation for adulthood

We work closely with students to develop the skills they need for life beyond education.

Independent living skills including money management, confidence building, self-advocacy and communication skills
THRIVE lessons to support with understanding healthy relationships, personal safety and managing risks
Careers advice and guidance, including CV Writing, interview skills and job seeking skills
Supported Internships or supported work placements
Work related activities, such as community projects and enterprise activity.

Attendance and engagement support

We remove barriers to attendance through flexible, student‑centred approaches.

Inclusive environments that promote belonging and connection
Bespoke timetables tailored to individual needs
Multi‑agency meetings to monitor progress and address challenges early

Transition planning

We support students at every stage of their journey.

Tailored transition support

Tailored transition support, including visits, taster sessions, meet and greets with staff

Employment and next steps planning

End‑of‑programme transition planning into employment or apprenticeships, further education or training, supported internships or adult social care services where appropriate

Multi-agency working

Strong multi-agency collaboration with parents, carers, social workers and external professionals

Safeguarding and health support

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and a core priority across Nacro Education.

Robust safeguarding procedures aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children and Young People (WTSCYP)
Trained safeguarding leads and deputies
Staff trained in mental health awareness, de-escalation techniques and trauma- informed approaches

Totton College offers the following additional SEND support

Therapeutic support

Onsite access to physiotherapy provision
Onsite access to occupational therapy provision
Onsite access to speech and language provision
Structured socials skills groups
Wellbeing support with anxiety and SEMH
College medical service including administration of medication, epilepsy and diabetes management, PEG and tube feeding.

Supportive spaces

Quiet rooms – available for students to access during the college day when things are getting overwhelming or they need a place to help them regulate emotions.
Sensory rooms
Small independent and group work areas
Common rooms

Enrichment

Some students have the opportunity to access weekly enrichment activities to supplement their chosen course. These may include: swimming, sport, drama, music, gaming, puzzles and many more.