SEN & Vulnerable Students

We have high expectations of all our children and put support in place at the earliest possible stage where needed. We have been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark and are a Centre of Excellence for the award. 

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are overseen by the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) Mrs Westwood and supported by the assistant SENDCo, Mrs Evenden. The Senior Leadership Team evaluate all special educational needs provision on a regular basis throughout the year and report to the Governing Body on how individual needs are being met, and on how special needs funding is being spent. The link Councillor for SEND is Mr Bottrill and he regularly visits the academy to see SEND work in action. 

Students are individuals and we believe that inclusion is a journey, not a destination. Our role is to ensure that all students make progress and have the qualifications and experiences to be successful in the future. The class teacher, alongside other support staff, plan a challenging curriculum, adapting and scaffolding to support all students to progress well. Children with additional needs need this high-quality teaching and learning with effective support and resource. Pastoral Support Plans, Individual Education Plans and other documentation is used to record provision and track improvements. Key assessments are made to ensure students are on track to meet their targets and that planning accurately addresses these needs. Progress and plans are regularly reviewed and evaluated to inform next steps. 

Parents and carers are vital partners in their child’s journey through school. They are invited to attend review meetings of their child’s progress and are encouraged to engage in supporting learning in different ways. If a parent feels their child may have Special Educational Needs they should make contact with the Special Needs Co-ordinator. 

Staff in school are trained, and work alongside other professionals, to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in specific areas of Special Educational Needs. Support is sought from other agencies where necessary in order to maximise learning potential. Our policies reflect our commitment to inclusion, safety and the well-being of children. 

Further Information 

Please get in touch with our SENDCo, Mrs Westwood if you have any questions or concerns: [email protected]