Our SEND/SEMH Policy Statement

Rationale

All children share a common entitlement to a stimulating curriculum which is matched to their individual needs regardless of physical, emotional, behavioural, sensory or learning difficulties. The majority of pupils will have mild or transitory difficulties, but some pupils will have longer term and more complex needs. The organisations policy, provision and practice for SEN should ensure such pupils are identified and access to all areas of the curriculum maximized.

Purposes

1. To ensure early identification of children experiencing difficulties.
2. To ensure that all staff are aware of the systems and procedures in accordance with the revised Code of Practice in order to offer children positive and constructiveaccess to the curriculum that is appropriate to their individual needs.
3. To allow for differentiation in curriculum planning and schemes of work based on knowledge of individual children through teacher assessment and understanding of different backgrounds and various teaching styles.
4. To ensure the most effective use of staff, teaching and non-teaching, and resources for pupils with special educational needs.
5. To encourage children to reach their full potential and be involved in rewarding motivating activities which improve their self-esteem.

What does this mean for me and my child?

It simply means we will do whatever needed to ensure your child can access their classes and enjoy their time with us.

Additional Needs

It is important to remember that SEN covers all levels of additional need including physical disability and mental health. The service we provide to you and your child will be no different.

FAQ’s

My child has to wear pull ups / nappies can you change them?
Yes, of course no one likes a dirty bottom! There is an additional form to be completed if you need us to do this. It is always done in pairs in line with safeguarding policies.

My child is non verbal is this a problem?
Absolutely not, let us know what if any communication method you use at home and we will work with that. We also use British Sign Language and can arrange to teach parents and care givers if you feel this is something that might help.

Will my child get to perform?
Absolutely! We pride ourselves on ensuring that all children get their moment to shine!

Are there any conditions which you can’t support?
Not that we have come across in the last 12 years BUT if we don’t know, we will learn, complete training and adapt our services to meet the need. No child will be excluded, ever!

My child’s a bit of a handful, will this be a problem?
All children are a handful in their own special way. If your child needs that little bit extra we will provide it, no problem.

With you every step of the way!

• When your child enrols with us you can expect to hear from Sarah pretty quickly to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your child’s needs. This is called the review and will happen either yearly or every 6 months as you prefer.
• Please bring everything you have to the meeting EHCP reports, pupil passports, Statement or diagnosis – anything you can think of as these will help us form a basis of your child’s plan and passport.
• What if you don’t have any of these? No problem at all just come along yourself. You are an amazing resource all on your own – No one knows your child like you do!
• Once the meeting is complete we will share your child’s passport with you and once you agree this will then be distributed to all team members.
• SEN support is a vital part of what we do so we are always eager to do whatever is needed to best support your child.
• We consider this to be a team effort so if you have any questions / concerns just speak to us, were happy to arrange an ad hoc meeting whenever needed.
Don’t have a diagnosis yet? – We can help!
• We know how long it can take to be seen by professionals and how it feels to be in limbo, knowing there’s a problem, knowing what it is but there’s no piece of paper to prove it! Don’t worry we’ve all been there. We will still do all of the above! Your child will get exactly the same support regardless.
• We can also help with guidance and support as well as signposting organisations that are there to help. Just ask!

The SEN responsibility in our organisation is as follows;

1- To identify children in need of additional support.
2- To work with parents to develop an individual assessment of the child’s needs.
3- To complete 12 or 6 monthly reassessments or more regularly depending on the needs of the child.
4- To work with teachers to facilitate the child’s needs into the classroom environment.
5- To complete lesson observations and offer SEN specific feedback to teachers to ensure consistent good practice and support teachers in need of further support
6- To provide additional classroom assistants in classes where a need has been identified.
7- To provide regular training for teachers.