Learning Support and SEND
A Calm, Nurturing School Where SEND Pupils Thrive
Exceptional SEND Support at St Dominic’s Priory School
At St Dominic’s Priory School, we are proud to be a school where children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are not only supported — they thrive.
We are known for welcoming pupils who have struggled elsewhere — including children who may have felt overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to access learning in other settings — and helping them rediscover confidence, emotional security, and success.
A Thoughtful, Individualised Approach
Our approach to SEND is child-centred, responsive, and grounded in high-quality teaching and strong pastoral care. We focus on:
- Early identification of need
- Careful planning and regular review
- High expectations supported by appropriate adjustments
- Close partnership with parents and pupils
- Supporting emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress
SEND support at St Dominic’s is not separate from learning — it is embedded within everyday school life. We understand that children learn best when they feel safe, calm, and understood.
A Welcome from the SENDCo
At St Dominic’s Priory School, we believe that every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and confident in who they are.
As SENDCo, my role is to listen carefully to each child and family, to understand individual strengths and needs, and to ensure that support is thoughtful, personalised, and responsive. We are proud to welcome pupils who may have struggled elsewhere and to provide a calm, nurturing environment where children can rebuild confidence, feel emotionally secure, and thrive both academically and personally.
Strong partnerships with families sit at the heart of our SEND provision, and I work closely with parents, teachers, support staff, and external professionals to ensure that every child receives the care and guidance they need to succeed.
Choosing the right school is an important decision. I would be delighted to speak with you and to help you explore whether St Dominic’s is the right place for your child.
Mrs Joanna Talbot
— SENDCo, St Dominic’s Priory School
When Other Schools Say “No”, We Ask “What Does This Child Need?”
Many of our pupils arrive having experienced:
- Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
- Difficulties coping in larger or less flexible environments
- Barriers related to attention, communication, or sensory needs
- A loss of confidence or self-belief
At St Dominic’s, we take time to listen and understand. Support is personalised, thoughtful, and flexible — built around each child as an individual. The transformation we see, both emotionally and academically, is often remarkable.
Calm Environments Create Confident Learners
Our school environment is intentionally calm and nurturing. This matters.
Children learn best when they feel:
- Safe
- Listened to
- Emotionally regulated
- Secure in their relationships with adults
Small class sizes, predictable routines, and strong pastoral care allow pupils with SEND to settle, build trust, and re-engage with learning at their own pace. Emotional wellbeing is not separate from learning — it is the foundation for it.
Expert Support, Delivered with Care
SEND provision at St Dominic’s is led by an experienced SENDCo and delivered by skilled teachers and teaching assistants who know each child well.
Support may include:
- Adapted teaching and personalised strategies
- In-class and small-group support
- Targeted interventions
- Pastoral and emotional wellbeing support
Provision is reviewed regularly and evolves as pupils grow in confidence and independence.
SEND Pupils Thrive at St Dominic’s – What does the ISI say?
Our inclusive approach is recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
The ISI inspection report highlights that:
- Pupils, including those with SEND, make good progress
- Teaching is consistently high quality and adapted to individual needs
- Pupils feel secure, supported, and well cared for
This independent validation reflects daily life at St Dominic’s: SEND pupils are confident, engaged, and successful — academically and emotionally.
A Turning Point for Many Families
With the right support in place, our SEND pupils:
- Rebuild confidence and self-esteem
- Develop strategies to manage emotions and challenges
- Make strong academic progress
- Feel valued, understood, and happy at school
For many families, choosing St Dominic’s marks a genuine turning point.