DSPL2 (Stevenage)

Peartree Spring Primary School is the lead school for DSPL 2.  If you are a parent and are interested in attending DSPL2 board meetings, please contact the school office or email DSPL2 at dspl2@peartreespring.herts.sch.uk

How will DSPL 2 help me to support my child?

• The DSPL 2 Board members work closely with several different agencies, eg Childrens Centres, ISL, SET. Suggestions and advice may be provided for parents and carers.
• DSPL 2 members will deliver support to children and young people across the locality through high needs funding.
• DSPL 2 hosts an annual conference as well as workshops for parents and professionals with guests speakers.
• Parenting courses/advice within settings and schools.
• The DSPL 2 website will provide a range of information for parents.

What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?

DSPL 2 offers a wide variety of pastoral support for pupils as well as support for pupils social, emotional and mental health.

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by DSPL 2?

DSPL 2 meets with members of ISL (Integrated Services for Learning) regularly.  ISL is the multi-professional service working in five integrated area teams across the county helping schools, settings and families to improve outcomes for children with SEND. ISL managers make up the constitution of board members within DSPL 2.

What training is available for staff within DSPL 2 ?

DSPL 2 provides high quality training and support to enable all staff to improve outcomes for children with SEND. The aim of providing training to Stevenage schools is to increase skills and confidence of staff as well as to develop networks of shared practice across Stevenage staff to support local provision. Members of staff working in schools and Early Years settings have received training related to all aspects of SEND.

These have included training on:

• Supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorders. DSPL 2 has led on the ASD leads projects across Stevenage, implementing the 9 key recommendations from the Autism review. A bespoke package of training and consultancy has been offered to DSPL 2 schools through Fintan O'Reagan. Specific training offered to staff in Stevenage schools has been Level 3 Autism training and ‘Supporting Autism in Classrooms.’
• Supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. The behaviour steering group meet regularly to discuss meeting needs for pupils with Emotional and Behavioural Needs. Specific projects for vulnerable Post 16 students are in place across the locality. Some schools within Stevenage have been involved in the CAMHs mental health pilot. DSPL 2 has offered Protective Behaviours Level 1 training to Stevenage schools.
• Supporting pupils with Speech, Language and Communication difficulties.
• DSPL2 funded Recovery and Resilience training for school staff which was provided by KCA, with a focus on trauma recovery informed practice.
• Support staff across Stevenage were invited to DSPL2 funded training provided by Therapeutic Thinking. Staff explored the important elements of developing children and young people's emotional vocabulary, emotional literacy and emotional agency. 
• The DSPL2 team have facilitated 6/7 transition support for school staff delivered by Sally Glossop focused on busting the myths of secondary school. 

How will DSPL 2 support my child when transferring to a new school?

DSPL 2 team have developed a transition package which supports children with high needs to make a successful transition from primary school to secondary school. DSPL2 work in partnership with Mental Health Support Team, Greenside Outreach Team, Stevenage Education Support Centre Outreach Team, Larwood School Outreach Team, The Willow Centre and NESSie to provide support for children who are vulnerable through 6/7 transition. 

How are the DSPL 2 resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?

The budget is allocated each financial year. The money is used to provide additional support or resources in response to needs within the area. The budget is allocated into each specific area of need, eg ASD, SLCN, SEMH and Nurture.

Who can I contact for further information?

If you wish to discuss anything, please email: dspl2@peartreespring.herts.sch.uk

How can I find information about the Local Authority’s Local Offer of services and provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disability?

The local authority, Hertfordshire County Council, has published its local offer of services and provision for children and young people with SEND. This is available at: