Cranmer STARS ARP

Introduction

Cranmer Stars is our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) for up to 24 pupils from Reception to Year 6 (ages 4–11). The ARP supports autistic pupils and pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The ARP opened in September 2022.  Cranmer Stars provides a supportive, inclusive environment with access to both specialist teaching and mainstream opportunities.

Pupils in our ARP learn in small classes of up to 8 children, ensuring they receive highly focused support. They also have opportunities to take part in mainstream lessons and activities where it is right for them. When in the mainstream, additional help is provided so that children can join in successfully alongside their peers. Our aim is to help pupils build their confidence and independence over time, so that they can gradually spend more time in the mainstream school if this best meets their needs.

Teaching

Pupils in the ARP follow an adapted version of the mainstream curriculum, tailored to meet their individual needs. Learning is presented in a flexible and supportive way, with plenty of opportunities to revisit and reinforce key skills. We use a range of evidence-based approaches such as Attention Autism, Zones of Regulation and Colourful Semantics. In addition, we work closely with external professionals — including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists — to ensure teaching is carefully adapted for each child.

Location

The ARP is based in our Cranmer Crescent building and includes three dedicated classrooms, a sensory room, a therapies room and additional spaces for small group work. Pupils also benefit from their own outdoor playground. In September 2023, we completed an extensive building project to create purpose-built spaces designed to meet the needs of our children.

How are children placed into the ARP?

Pupils with special educational needs who attend Cranmer Primary School are not automatically given a place in the ARP, and children cannot move from mainstream classes into the provision.

To be admitted to the ARP, a child must:

• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names an ARP as the type of placement
• Have identified needs related to Autism or speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
• Have needs that are greater than or additional to what can normally be supported in a mainstream school alone
• Meet the Merton ASD Primary ARP Panel entry criteria

Applications for the ARP must be made through your child’s allocated case officer, who will submit the paperwork to the SEND Team at Merton. Each application is then considered at Merton’s ARP Panel, which is made up of a team of professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, the Merton ARP Leads, and the Lead Professional who oversees ARP provision across the borough. The panel reviews the paperwork and may also visit the child in their current setting. They make the final decision about whether a placement at the ARP is appropriate and whether the child’s needs can be met.

For further information, parents can contact the Merton SEND Team at sen@merton.gov.uk

If the ARP Panel agrees that we are able to meet a child’s needs, we will invite parents to visit and look around our ARP. This is followed by a planned entry process, working closely with parents, the child’s current school and the SEND Team to ensure a smooth transition.

Communication with parents

We believe that working in partnership with parents and carers is essential to achieving the best outcomes for our pupils. At the start of each school year, we hold a Meet the Teacher session, giving families the opportunity to get to know their child’s teacher and hear about expectations for the year ahead.

Alongside the statutory Annual Review of each child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we hold two parent consultation meetings during the year to discuss progress and next steps. Parents and carers are also encouraged to contact us at any time by telephone or email if they have questions or concerns.

To keep families connected to daily school life, parents are invited to create a Class Dojo account, where they can access photos and updates about their child’s learning and school events. This works alongside the My Child at School app, which provides further information and communication.

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a tour, please contact Mrs Burden (ARP Lead & EYFS SEND Lead) at: inclusion@cranmer.merton.sch.uk

 
                       

 

                   

 

                  
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