Portland is a maintained secondary special school for students aged 11 – 19 years serving the City of Sunderland. Portland is the only secondary provision within Sunderland for students who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs showing severe learning difficulties, 25% of who also have complex medical and/or physical disabilities. We have a number of students who in addition to their severe learning difficulties also have autistic spectrum disorders. Challenging behaviours are presented by a range of students; where additional support is required. A small number of students have received additional specialist support to help manage mental health difficulties.
School has access to a wide range of shared multi-disciplinary services that support the personal development and wellbeing of our students either by working directly with students and staff in school or supporting parents through regular clinics held in school.
Our students have historically come to us from two primary special schools within Sunderland. Since 2005 we have found an increased number in referrals to us from mainstream schools, corresponding with a decline in identified provision for children who experience moderate learning difficulties. This has led us to review our curriculum to ensure it continues to challenge all students.
The Tertiary Department where the majority of post-16 students are based and move between staff and groups to access their curriculum. And the Sensory Education Department where both secondary and tertiary classes are based for those students that need extra care and support to access the curriculum and from where inclusion into both the Secondary and Tertiary departments takes place.
Within the LA we play a supporting role in developing expertise for those working to raise achievement of students identified as having SEN. We have staff responsible for training colleagues across the LA in areas such as PIVATS, Team Teach and moving and assisting. We have a good relationship with Sunderland schools and offer advice and support as required. We aim to share our expertise and contribute to raising achievement of children identified as having SEN within Sunderland and beyond.. We have also developed international links, the strengths of these being recognised with the International Schools Award.
Portland school, situated in a prime location just off the A690, provides meeting, training and conference facilities. The school hosts a choice of auditoria, from the spacious Hall (150 seats) with optional staging facility, a wide range of air conditioned conference rooms for 2 - 70 delegates, and the latest computer, with media and film projection equipment with specialised technicians to operate if required.
We are aware of our responsibility to our existing and potential clients and have ensured that there is more than adequate disabled access and parking. Access for those who experience a physical disability is made easy with electronically operated main doors opening onto wide corridors, a lift to first floor and specifically designed bathroom and toileting facilities including ceiling mounted hoists. Consideration has also been taken of lighting and wall/floor finishes for the visually impaired.