SPECIAL
EDUCATIONAL
NEEDS & DISABILITY
SENDco overseeing KS3, & Universal provision
SENDco overseeing KS4, KS5, & Targeted provision
Mrs S Baillie
Mrs H Weston
‘A pupil has SEND where their learning difficulty or disability calls for special educational provision,
namely provision different from or additional to that normally available to pupils of the same age’
Our SEND team works collaboratively with students, families and staff to identify and reduce barriers to learning, enabling all students to access a broad and ambitious curriculum within our mainstream setting. We do not require a diagnosis or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to provide support, and we support any learner experiencing barriers to learning and participation within school. Support within the classroom is part of the universal provision and interventions outside of the classroom form part of the Targeted provision. Our Learning Support Unit (LSU), known as the Hive and Nest, provides targeted plus support. We have a skilled team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) who support students across a range of learning, communication and emotional needs. The SEND team are supported by our SEND administration team.
The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2014), places emphasis on quality first teaching from within the classroom to be fully inclusive. This means that teachers utilise strategies provided when planning and implementing lessons, ensuring the use of adaptive teaching to suit the needs of the children they teach. These are the first steps in meeting the needs of all students in the classroom. Regular CPD ensures all teaching staff continue to develop their understanding of adaptive teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
Where a student's needs require support beyond ordinarily available provision within the classroom, the SEND team can coordinate screening, assessment and targeted interventions as appropriate. We are currently able to offer small group interventions, such as Little Wandle Code for reading development, Social skills and Language Link. We have two qualified ELSAs who can support emotional wellbeing, two drawing and talking practitioners and two trained MELSAs who can provide support in how to develop pupils’ literacy and mathematical skills.
We have a referral system where staff, students and parents can put forward concerns for investigation of any un-identified SEND, or a request for additional strategies or possible school-based interventions that can support barriers to learning.
We regularly meet with our parents to discuss progress and to review learning plans. We value the importance of working together in partnership and seek to involve both students and families in decisions regarding support and provision. We include a booking link in our emails so that you can book meetings directly with the SENDCos if needed.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S PROGRESS?
If your query or concern is subject specific, please speak to your child/ward’s teacher who will be able to assist. Otherwise, please email your questions or concerns to the SEND team email address above and a member of the department will be in touch.