Special Educational Needs SEN/SEND
SENDCo Contact details
SENDCo Mr I Vincent
email: senco@greatwood.lancs.sch.uk Tel: 01524 416971
Great Wood School, Beaufort Road, Morecambe LA4 6UB
For Policies and SEND Documents, click links
The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014 recognises that there are four broad areas:
- Communication or interactive (language and autism spectrum disorder)
- Cognition and learning (general learning and specific learning difficulties)
- Physical and sensory
- Behavioural, emotional and social
Our set procedure for identifying and assessing the special needs of individual children involves pupils, parents, school staff and external agencies.
Despite a class teacher’s support and differentiated planning, some children have difficulty in learning. When this happens we aim to provide additional help and support. We discuss this with parents and devise a Pupil Passport (PP) for the child. This is reviewed once a term by the class teacher and support staff.
PP targets are discussed with children and their views sought.
If, despite this help, we continue to be concerned that a child is not making appropriate progress we increase the help that is given to a child. We do this when we feel a child is falling significantly behind age appropriate expectations and there is not sufficient expertise in school to plan appropriate curriculum activities. We ask for advice from professionals not directly employed by the school and the advice is taken into consideration within the Pupil Passport.
In a small number of cases we share evidence about a child and the school’s work to support the child’s need to the Local Education Authority (LEA) to assess if a child meets the LEA criteria for action. This may involve a detailed diagnostic assessment. This will be fully discussed with the parents beforehand. For pupils who have an ‘ Education and Health Care Plan’ (EHCP) the school will hold statutory reviews and meet all statutory requirements.
We value the help that parents can give us and appreciate parents sharing any problems a child may have had previously or during their time with us. Should a parent have concerns about the progress of their child they should discuss this with the class teacher. If there continues to be a cause for concern then this should be brought to the attention of the (SENCo.)
The school’s SEN and Disability Local Offer is available to view on our website and includes the full procedure for complaints. Complaints about the special educational needs provision made by the school should be discussed with the Headteacher. In the unlikely event that the Headteacher is unable to resolve the complaint, then the parent should write to the school’s SEN Governor. Parents may also contact the Parent Partnership Service (Tel: 586433)
Able, Gifted and Talented
Our school will have, at any time, a number of able, talented, or gifted pupils. We recognise academic and practical performance as well as those who show outstanding artistic, musical and creative talent, physical skills, leadership qualities and the ability to process ideas and information.
English as an Additional Language
Together with the support of external agencies, we build on the children’s cultural and linguistic experiences to develop their understanding and use of English. We welcome parents and carers into school and embrace opportunities that will enrich our school community.
Child Protection
The governors and staff of Great Wood take seriously their responsibility to promote the welfare of and safeguard all the children entrusted in our care. The Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator (DCPC) is the Headteacher.
As part of the ethos of the school, and with regard to The Children Act 2004, we are committed to
- Promoting an environment in which children feel safe, secure, valued and respected, confident to talk openly and sure of being listened to
- Using the curriculum to provide opportunities for increasing self-awareness, self-esteem, assertiveness and decision making
- Working with parents to ensure the welfare of all children, which may involve other agencies
- Ensuring all staff are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and are aware of the schools procedures and lines of communications
Our Child Protection Policy and Procedures are available at the School Office and can be found on our website – see School Policies.
Accessibility for All
We are able to provide an environment which enables access for all pupils regardless of need. Our accessibility plan enables optimum participation in the school community for pupils with a disability. Parents of pupils with disability are welcome to inspect the facilities and discuss their child’s needs with the Headteacher. Reasonable adjustments are made to meet identified individual needs. The school’s Disability Equality Scheme and Accessibility Plan are on the school’s website and are available at school, in various formats by request.
Lancashire County Council’s Local Offer
Link to Lancashire County Council’s Local Offer www.lancashire.gov.uk
Lancashire’s Local Offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.