Our Universal Offer 

All of our students have individual needs that are set out in 'Education and Health Care Plan' (EHCP) documents.

We work tirelessly to ensure that the provision set out in these documents is afforded to our young people. 

Although we offer bespoke and individual adaptations, students at Portland School additionally have access to a high quality 'universal offer'. 

Our 'universal offer' relates to all the strategies and systems of support that we use to help students during their time at Portland, in addition to any strategies required by a student's EHCP. 

Below is a brief overview of some of the types of support that is available to students at Portland School. 

 

Inclusive Learning Environment and Regulation

  • Portland classrooms are calm, structured and responsive. The environment reduces uncertainty, supports communication and makes regulation strategies available without stigma.  

  • Reduced class sizes and carefully deployed adults that enable pupils to receive timely support while continuing to build independence.

  • Sensory resources are selected according to need and used purposefully to increase access, participation and independence.

 

A broad and meaningful curriculum

  • Alongside English and mathematics, pupils access a broad curriculum that may include science, art, technology, ICT, physical education, PSHE, cultural entitlement, preparation for adulthood and vocational learning. Pathways support progression from individual starting points to Entry Level, Functional Skills, GCSE and vocational qualifications where appropriate.

  • Learning is connected to real-life application wherever possible. Practical activities, visits, projects and workplace-related experiences help pupils understand purpose, sustain engagement and apply knowledge in authentic contexts.

 

Wellbeing Behaviour and Attendance

  • Pupils learn best when they feel safe, understood and regulated. Portland combines warm relationships with clear boundaries, high expectations and practical support to repair, re-engage and succeed.

  • Adults use calm, consistent and respectful language. Emotion Coaching is used to help our young people recognise their emotions and develop appropriate responses to challenge. 

  • Staff prioritise co-regulation, de-escalation and restorative conversations to help pupils manage difficult moments, repair relationships and return safely to learning. Predictable routines, Zones of Regulation and personalised strategies support emotional readiness. We work closely with pupils and families to identify barriers to attendance and provide support for punctuality, engagement and successful reintegration.

  • We use the 'Portland Values' as a mechanism for young people to understand appropriate behaviours with rewards given when students 'get it right'!

Personal Development

  • Personal Development is at the heart of everything we do. We ensure that our curriculum doesn't just focus on subjects and academia but instead focuses on what students need to be able to do to achieve success later in life. As such we offer....

 

  • Cultural Entitlement; a rich & inclusive range of experiences   

  • PSHE; a whole-school approach to PSHE, RSHE & emotional literacy.

  • Careers & Preparation for Adulthood; age appropriate careers activities focussed on developing the skills needed for later life!

 

Personalised Provision & Progress 

  • Each pupil has a current Pupil Profile that helps staff understand their strengths, needs and effective support strategies. Personal Learning Goal (PLG) forms translate longer-term EHCP outcomes into measurable milestones, with dated evidence showing progress, consistency and independence. Provision and milestones are reviewed through Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with targeted or specialist support added when evidence indicates this is needed

 

Safeguarding 

  • Safeguarding, trusted relationships and partnership with families underpin our universal offer. Families receive regular communication and opportunities to contribute to planning and reviews. Our Family Support Officer provides practical advice, direct support and signposting according to need. Where required, staff coordinate support with therapists, health services and other professionals.