Stone Cross School

How specialist services support our children and families

At Stone Cross School, we work closely with a range of external professionals to ensure that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the right support at the right time. These agencies bring specialist expertise that helps us understand children’s needs more deeply and plan effective provision.

 

1. Educational Psychology Service

Educational Psychologists (EPs) help us understand how children learn, behave, and interact. They may:

• Observe children in class
• Carry out assessments
• Support staff with strategies
• Contribute to EHCP applications

Their involvement helps us tailor support to each child’s needs.

 

2. CLASS – Communication, Learning & Autism Support Service

CLASS is a specialist East Sussex team supporting children with:

• Autism
• Social communication differences
• Learning needs

They offer:

• School visits
• Staff training
• Advice on adapting the learning environment
• Strategies to support communication and behaviour

3. Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)

Speech and Language Therapists support children with:

• Speech clarity
• Understanding language
• Using language
• Social communication

They may provide:

• Individual or group programmes
• Targets for school staff to deliver
• Advice for families

4. School Health Service

School nurses and health practitioners help with:

• Medical needs
• Care plans
• Continence support
• Healthy lifestyle advice

They ensure children with medical conditions can access school safely and confidently.

School and parents/carers are able to refer to this service for support via School Health One Point

0300 123 4062
kentchft.esschoolhealthservice@nhs.net

School Health Service (East Sussex) referral form | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

 

5. CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

CAMHS supports children experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Behavioural or emotional difficulties
• Neurodevelopmental assessments (ADHD)

They work with families and schools to promote emotional wellbeing.

6. Occupational Therapy (OT)

OTs help children who struggle with:

• Fine or gross motor skills
• Sensory processing
• Everyday functional tasks (e.g., handwriting, dressing)

They provide programmes and recommendations to support independence.

7. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists support children with physical or mobility needs by:

• Developing exercise programmes
• Advising on equipment
• Helping improve strength, balance, and coordination

8. Early Help Service

Early Help supports families who may benefit from:

• Parenting support
• Emotional wellbeing guidance
• Help accessing wider services

They work in partnership with school and home.

9. Social Care

Social care teams may become involved when families need additional support with:

• Safeguarding
• Family circumstances
• Accessing specialist services

They work sensitively and collaboratively with parents and schools.

We involve external agencies when:

• A child needs specialist assessment
• Additional expertise will help us plan support
• Families request further guidance
• An EHCP assessment is being considered

We always seek parental consent before involving external professionals (unless there is a significant safeguarding risk), and we keep families informed at every stage.