A Balanced Approach to Specialist and Mainstream Education

Bower Grove's Satellite provision, located within West Borough Primary School, is managed and staffed by Bower Grove School.

This provision offers an exemplary educational pathway for neurodivergent pupils, who may have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, and/or Dyspraxia, and who possess an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP). These pupils demonstrate the behaviour and cognitive ability required to thrive in a mainstream setting with the tailored support provided by specialist staff from Bower Grove School.

The Satellite caters to up to twelve pupils in Year 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2) and features two classrooms, a dedicated time-out space, a quiet area, and private toilet facilities for pupils.

While pupils remain on the roll at Bower Grove School, they wear the West Borough Primary School uniform and identify as part of its community, fully embracing the school's values and ethos.

                           

The curriculum within the Satellite is bespoke, flexible, and differentiated to address each pupil's unique needs. It is delivered using approaches designed to support pupils on the autism spectrum. In Years 3 and 4, pupils primarily work within the Satellite unit to instil behaviours for learning, social communication skills, personal independence, and confidence in their academic learning abilities. When ready, pupils then gradually join mainstream lessons, with integration carefully structured around their strengths and interests. In Years 5 and 6 pupils will gradually increase the amount of time they spend in mainstream classes with support from Satellite staff who will continue to support pupils' learning and behaviour, they will also continue to receive bespoke intervention from Satellite staff in line with their provision plan targets in the four areas of need to ensure they can be successful. 

Upon completing Key Stage 2, pupils transition to various educational settings, including mainstream secondary schools, mainstream secondary schools with specialist resource provisions (similar to the Satellite), or specialist schools that support high-functioning pupils with communication, interaction, and/or autism needs. The Satellite provision collaborates with families and receiving schools to fully prepare pupils for these transitions.

All EHCP consultations are coordinated through the local authority. If the Satellite provision is deemed suitable for meeting the young person's needs, a tour of the setting will be arranged.