SEN School Offer
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN) INFORMATION REPORT
General Information/Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think my child has a Special Educational Need or Disability?
Talk to your child’s teacher or request to see the SEN co-ordinator, Miss Clarke. The staff are always available to discuss every child’s needs as we believe all children are individual and have their own requirements.
What is the school ethos/approach to SEN and Disability?
The school ethos is neatly summed up on our website, ‘A caring and warm approach, nurturing every child as an individual’. We take each child as an individual and work to help them achieve their own potential.
Following the Code of Practice (2014) we work with a number of agencies (Behaviour support, Special School outreach, Educational Psychologists, School Nurse) to support pupils with a variety of needs including autism, diabetes, physical disabilities (e.g. hearing, mobility, sight), behavioural difficulties and ADHD. All children are welcomed equally and their needs are catered for.
Initially there may be discussions with parents prior to the child starting school or children are assessed on entry and if any special needs are identified then parents are notified.
There are clear pathways to address individual needs and parents will be involved at every step. As different approaches are used, their effectiveness is monitored and further specialised support sought if
necessary.
Pupils may be taught in class with support materials or with extra adult help. They may be withdrawn at times for smaller group work or 1:1 teaching if appropriate. Some pupils will also work with specialists from
support agencies, again this may be in class or in smaller groups. Each class has at least one teaching assistant who will support this kind of work. In some cases extra teaching assistants are used to support
individual pupils. The school also has a specialised TA responsible for administering specific programmes of work for identified pupils.
How will I know how my child is doing in school?
The school regularly assesses the progress of pupils. We hold Parent’s Evenings in the Autumn and Spring term, where parents are given a short report outlining the current progress and new targets for their
children. A full report is provided at the end of the Summer term with the child’s final assessments.
However the school operates an ‘open door’ policy and welcomes parents at any time. Teachers will approach parents immediately if they feel there is a problem and will inform parents of any concerns straightaway. Similarly you may be invited to ‘Good Work’ assembly if your child has performed exceptionally well or you may receive other notification of good progress from school through the reward system of
stickers, postcards and homework feedback.
What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?
Again we refer to our mission statement ‘A caring and warm approach, nurturing every child as an individual’. This means the whole child and includes social and personal education. We nurture all our pupils and
encourage them to become good citizens and members of society through our PSE scheme of work and other approaches e.g. Gardeners and Seeds, where Y6 pupils are paired with Reception pupils to look
after them during their first year. Buddy Days, where pupils work with other classes, encourages understanding, sharing and collaboration, all key skills for life.
How will I be involved in discussions about, planning for, and involvement in, my child’s education?
Parents are invited to school to learn about their child’s education and progress at Parent’s Evenings but our ‘Open Door’ policy allows parents to speak to staff whenever they have a need. Pupils with special needs
will be contacted regularly when their individual education plans are revised or when further support is being sought. Meetings are held between the school, parents and external agencies to ensure that all parties are kept fully informed.
How does Kearsley West Primary School involve children and young people in their education and in the decision-making process?
Although we work with young children, we believe that it is important for them to have an understanding and a voice in their own education. They have the opportunity to discuss their work and progress with the teacher
on a daily basis but will also be involved in discussion with staff and parents, if appropriate. They are given some choices about the curriculum and how they like to learn. Their views are also sought during
more formal meeting with external agencies.
Who, outside of school, can I turn to for advice and support?
The Bolton Council website offers support and information for parents, including the Parent Partnership who can be contacted (details below).
Bolton Parent Partnership Service
Children’s Opportunity Group
Lowndes Street
Bolton
BL1 4QB
Telephone 01204 848722
Where can I find information about Local Authority provisions for children and young people with SEN?
Below is the link to the Local Authority offer
How should complaints regarding SEN provision be made and how will they be dealt with?
In the first instance, any complaints should be directed to the Headteacher. The Governing Body have a Complaints procedure and policy which is available on the school website for further reference.
How do I get a copy of the school SEN policy?
Again a copy of the SEN policy is available on the school website.
Who do I contact for further information?
Mr Cooke – SEN co-ordinator Tel: 332600
Mr Cooke can be reached in school on the number above or is available before or after school to speak to parents directly. He is also able to see parents on Monday mornings or Tuesday afternoons by prior appointment