1. What is the proposed change at Combe Pafford School?

   Combe Pafford School is proposing a change in designation from Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) to Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). This means that while current MLD students will continue their education at the school, new students will be admitted based on ASC needs starting from September 2026.

2. Will current students with MLD be affected by this change?

   No. All current students with MLD will remain at Combe Pafford until the end of their Year 11 studies. They will also have the opportunity to transition into Post-16 provision through the LA existing process.

3. What does "dual designation" mean?

   Dual designation refers to the period between September 2026 and September 2030 during which the school will cater for both MLD and ASC students. After 2030, the school will be designated solely for ASC. From September 2026, new children joining the school will have a primary area of need of ASC.

4. Will the curriculum change for current MLD students?

   No. The curriculum for current MLD students will remain the same until they leave the school. Vocational opportunities and Post-16 pathways will also continue as they currently are.

5. How will the school support new ASC students?

   The school will work with the Special Partnership Trust (SPT) to develop curriculum adaptations, provide staff training (CPD), enhance facilities, and support cohort transitions to meet the needs of ASC students. Please see below for the Special Partnership Trust website who will be providing support for our school with the new cohort of ASC children - https://www.specialpartnership.org/

6. What is the timeline for introducing ASC cohorts?

   • September 2026: Year 7 ASC cohort
   • September 2027: Year 7 & 8 ASC cohorts
   • September 2028: Year 7-9 ASC cohorts
   • September 2029: Year 7-10 ASC cohorts
   • September 2030: Full ASC designation (Years 7-11)
      
7. Will ASC students be taught separately from MLD students?

   Some ASC students may join existing lessons, while others may be taught in separate groups depending on their individual needs. Curriculum adaptations will be made to support all learners.

8. How can parents and carers ask questions or share feedback?

   You can:

   • Email: enquiriescps@combepafford.torbay.sch.uk
   • Send letters marked "Private and Confidential - Combe Pafford Redesignation" to the school address of Steps Lane, Watcombe, Torquay, TQ2 8NL.
      
9. Are there opportunities to meet and discuss the proposal?

   Yes. Consultation meetings are scheduled:

   • For Combe Pafford families only:
     • 11th November 2025, 3:30 - 4:30pm (in person)
     • 18th November 2025, 3:30 - 4:30pm (in person)
        
   • Open community consultation meetings:
     • 12th November 2025, 5:00 - 6:30pm (Teams)
     • 20th November 2025, 5:00 - 6:30pm (Teams)
     • 25th November 2025, 9:00 - 10:00am (in person at school)
        

   The following questions and answers reflect questions and themes of questions we have received since the start of the consultation process.
10. What will happen if my child is already at Combe Pafford?

    All children already at Combe Pafford will continue right the way through the school until the end of their Year 11 year?

11. What will happen when they finish Year 11?

    All existing children finishing Year 11 will have the same process to join 6th form as all students have always and (and will have this year).

12. What will the curriculum offer be for all existing students?

    The curriculum offer will not change for all the existing students at Combe Pafford as they move through the school.

13. What will the curriculum offer look like for the new ASC cohort?

    Some of the new young people will be able to access the current curriculum model. For those who need a different curriculum offer, this will run in parallel to ensure all needs are met.

14. Where will the young people go who have MLD?

    In line with national and regional inclusive provision, the young people with MLD will have their needs supported in mainstream provision.

15. When will the school start to accept children with a pan of ASC?

    In September 2026 starting with Year 7.

16. How do I get a place for my child who has ASC?

    Please contact your LA caseworker and/or school SENDco for support and guidance.

17. How will the LA ensure that the needs of the young people with MLD will be met in mainstream schools?

    After some families raised concerns over confidence to meet Moderate Learning Needs in mainstream schools Torbay's Parent Carer Forum, SEND Family Voice Torbay, has kindly agreed to support the Local Area partnership to create a plan to answer some of those concerns.

    You can get involved by filling in your views on the attached survey, which will then help us to create a plan.

    Moderate Learning Difficulties - Inclusion in Mainstream - Fill in form

    More information on SEND Family Voice Torbay can be found here: Family Voice Torbay

The consultation runs from 4pm on 07/11/2025 until 5pm on 04/12/2025