The Ark SEN unit at Mason Moor Primary School 

our mission: All children deserve to be educated in their local community; with their peers; studying a curriculum that enables them to make connections and to live independent lives.

Mason Moor Primary School is an inclusive school with an excellent community spirit. All children, regardless of their SEND or cultural background, have the opportunities to learn, socialise, be cared for and work alongside their peers in a supportive and nurturing environment. The Ark @ Mason Moor is a SEN unit for children from 5-11 years who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Speech, Language and Communication Needs and/or Social, Emotional Mental Health diagnoses. 

Any pupil attending The Ark SEN Unit will have been previously assessed by multi-agency professionals, and will have been issued an Education, Health and Care Plan. The nature of teaching at The Ark is inclusive and fully promotes and enables pupils to achieve their full potential; to learn to be healthy, sociable and tolerant of differences and disabilities, whilst promoting equality of opportunity irrespective of the child’s special educational needs.  At Mason Moor children are able to learn in a positive, nurturing and secure environment; enjoy coming to school and make excellent progress.

The Ark @ MASON MOOR admission CRITERIA

Admission to The Ark @ Mason Moor is managed by Southampton City Council. The Ark has a pupil capacity of 12 children. This is an established number with GIAS (Get Information About Schools) from the DFE. Consultations for places in our SEN unit take place between all stakeholders: parents/carers, Southampton City Council SEN team and the Headteacher. 

Parents who are provided with a place at 'The Ark @ Mason Moor' will be invited in for the annual 'September Intake' meeting where you will meet the Headteacher, SENCo and staff members who will support your child at our school.

WHY A SEN UNIT AT MASON MOOR?

Southampton's Special Schools are largely full. It is vital that children in Southampton have the same chance to attend a SEN provision as they do in other parts of the country.

• We want to give families choice over where they send their child to school.
• To make sure there is enough specialist support and special educational needs places for children across the city.
• There is evidence to show that the specialist knowledge of staff working within an SEN unit leads to a better quality of education for all pupils throughout a school.

What makes The Ark unique?

Throughout the school day, pupils will engage with a specialist timetable designed to optimise their academic and social learning within a flexible curriculum which is designed to meet their needs. Teaching and learning will be multi-sensory in order to support all learners and promote success.

Within the learning environment, pupils will have access to specialist resources and a bespoke outdoor learning space - built into their curricula provision - as well as opportunities to utilise on-site facilities including the hall for physical development and Cooking Area. 

Pupils will integrate within the wider school community as appropriate to their individual needs and skills and will be supported by trained staff to transition successfully. Pupils will build up to spending 50% of their timetabled day with peers in mainstream classes.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHILD

Just like we would with our EYFS children, we spend a lot of time getting to know your family, your child and their current learning profile ahead of transfer to Mason Moor in September. 

Our staff team will visit your child's current setting, or your home, to build a profile of understanding that enables all staff to be aware of your child and their transfer needs. Additionally, we may attend your child's annual review process or table meetings for a 'team around the child' to ensure multi-agency professionals can share information.

WHO TO CONTACT

Email: theark@masonmoorprimary.co.uk

Telephone: 023 8039 0140