These are the questions we are most often asked. If you don't find what you're looking for, please get in touch by email here.

How are places allocated at Polowen?

Polowen is a Local Authority commissioned specialist provision. Learners must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with Polowen named in Section I of the EHCP following the consultation and placement process.

Who is Polowen designed for?

Polowen is for children and young people with Moderate, Significant or Severe Learning Difficulties and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) who require a specialist learning environment and a Total Communication approach to access education successfully.

What is a Total Communication approach?

A Total Communication approach uses a range of communication methods to support understanding and expression. This may include spoken language, symbols, visual supports, signing, communication boards and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

How is learning personalised?

All learners have individual strengths, interests and needs. Learning is carefully adapted to support EHCP outcomes, communication development, academic progress, independence and preparation for adulthood.

What do learners study?

Learners access a broad and balanced curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, PSHE, Computing, Humanities, Creative Arts, Physical Education and Preparation for Adulthood. Learning is delivered through practical, engaging and communication-rich approaches.

How do you support emotional wellbeing and regulation?

We provide structured routines, visual supports, sensory-informed strategies and access to calm spaces to support learners' emotional wellbeing and readiness to learn. Staff work

closely with families and other professionals to ensure individual needs are understood and supported.

How is progress measured?

Progress is monitored through personalised assessment systems, EHCP outcomes and individual learning targets. We celebrate small steps of progress as well as wider achievements in communication, independence and personal development.

How do you prepare learners for adulthood?

Preparation for Adulthood is embedded across the curriculum. Learners develop skills for independent living, communication, community participation, relationships, wellbeing and future employment through both classroom learning and real-life experiences.

How will I know how my child is getting on?

We value strong partnerships with families. Parents and carers receive regular updates about progress, achievements and wellbeing through ongoing communication, review meetings and annual EHCP reviews.

How will my child travel to and from school?

Some learners attending Polowen may be eligible for Local Authority funded home-to-school transport. Eligibility is determined by Cornwall Council and is considered as part of the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Further information about transport arrangements and eligibility can be found in Cornwall Council's guidance document.

If you have any questions about transport arrangements, please contact Cornwall Council's School Transport Team or speak to a member of the Polowen team, who will be happy to signpost you to the appropriate service.

• Cornwall Council School Transport Team: 0300 1234 222
• General Email: [email protected]
• Eligibility Email: [email protected]

How can I find out more about Polowen?

If you would like further information about Polowen, please contact the school office, who will be happy to direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff.

School office: 01726 874520