Poplars SRB
Welcome to the Poplars Specialist Resource Base
At Poplars Community Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to feel valued, included and supported to achieve their very best.
We are delighted to be opening our new Communication and Interaction Specialist Resource Base (SRB) in January 2027, providing a specialist learning environment for children who require additional support with their communication and interaction needs.
Our SRB will form an integral part of the Poplars school community, sharing our commitment to inclusion, high expectations and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Our approach will reflect our school values of Courage, Honesty, Aspiration, Kindness and Collaboration, alongside the principles of The Poplars Way.
What is a Specialist Resource Base?
A Specialist Resource Base is a specialist provision within a mainstream school, designed to support children with identified special educational needs who require a more personalised approach to their learning.
Our SRB will specialise in supporting children with communication and interaction needs.
Children attending the SRB will benefit from a carefully structured learning environment, adapted teaching approaches and additional support, while remaining part of the wider Poplars school community.
Our aim is to provide children with the right balance of specialist support, meaningful learning experiences and opportunities to develop their confidence, independence and communication skills.
Who will the SRB support?
The SRB will initially open with provision for up to 12 children in Years 1 and 2, with plans to develop the provision in phases over time.
It is designed for children whose communication and interaction needs mean they require a more specialist learning environment than can ordinarily be provided through mainstream classroom support alone.
Each child's individual strengths, needs and aspirations will be central to the provision they receive.
What will learning look like?
Learning within the SRB will be carefully planned to meet children's individual needs, recognising that children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
Our approach will combine:
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High-quality teaching: Carefully adapted lessons, with appropriate support and challenge.
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Small-group and individual learning: Opportunities for children to develop knowledge, understanding and skills at a suitable pace.
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Communication and interaction: The development of language, communication, social interaction and confidence embedded throughout the school day.
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Continuous provision: Purposeful opportunities for children to explore, practise, apply and consolidate their learning.
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Independence and life skills: Supporting children to become increasingly confident and independent learners.
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Emotional wellbeing: A calm, predictable and nurturing environment where children feel safe and ready to learn.
Children will access a broad and ambitious curriculum, adapted to reflect their individual starting points and learning needs.
Being part of Poplars
One of the important features of our SRB is that children will remain part of a mainstream primary school community.
We want children attending the SRB to experience a strong sense of belonging and benefit from the wider opportunities available at Poplars.
Where appropriate to their individual needs, children will have opportunities to participate in mainstream learning, school assemblies, enrichment activities, events and wider school life.
Decisions about these opportunities will be carefully considered for each child, ensuring that their individual needs remain at the centre of our approach.
Our ambition is for every child to feel that they belong, are included and can achieve.
Our learning environment
The SRB will provide a carefully designed environment that supports communication, engagement, independence and emotional regulation.
The classroom will include spaces for focused teaching, small-group learning, independent activities and quieter opportunities when children need additional support.
Clear routines, visual approaches and consistent expectations will help children understand their learning environment and develop confidence throughout the school day.
How are places allocated?
Places within the Specialist Resource Base are allocated in conjunction with the Local Authority.
The SRB is a specialist provision and does not operate through the usual mainstream school admissions process.
Parents and carers cannot apply directly to Poplars for an SRB place, and the school cannot independently allocate places or transfer children from mainstream classes into the provision.
If you believe your child may require specialist provision, we recommend discussing their needs with their current school, SENDCo or the Local Authority SEND team.
Our team will work closely with families, professionals and the Local Authority to support children who are allocated a place.
Working in partnership with families
We recognise that parents and carers know their children best.
Positive relationships between home and school will be central to the success of our SRB.
We will work closely with families to understand children's individual strengths, needs, interests and aspirations, while maintaining regular communication about their learning, development and wellbeing.
Our aim is to build a supportive partnership in which families feel informed, listened to and involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SRB a separate school?
No. The SRB is part of Poplars Community Primary School. Children attending the provision will remain members of our wider school community.
Will children access the mainstream school?
Yes, where appropriate to their individual needs. Opportunities for inclusion will be carefully planned to ensure children receive the right balance of specialist support and mainstream experiences.
Will children follow the National Curriculum?
Children will access an ambitious, appropriately adapted curriculum, with learning planned around their individual starting points and needs.
Can I apply directly for a place?
No. Places are allocated in conjunction with the Local Authority through the relevant SEND processes.
Does the SRB change the support available to children in mainstream classes?
No. Our commitment to high-quality teaching, inclusion and SEND support across our mainstream school remains unchanged. The SRB provides an additional specialist offer for children whose needs require this type of provision.
Who can I speak to if I have questions?
Please contact the school office, who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of our leadership or SEND team.
Contact Us
If you would like further information about the Poplars Specialist Resource Base, please use the link below:
Our school office will be happy to direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff.