When a child first begins school the amount of information presented to parents can seem daunting, especially if their child has SEND. We have published a number of FAQs posed by parents relating to our school and SEND provision.
How accessible is your school?
Our school has access to buildings directly from the main entrance and yards. Parents of children with SEND that require access of this type are permitted to use the main entrance in Benfieldside Road Site and the kitchen at Snows Green Road Site. There are plans to change and develop the main entrance in Snows Green Road Site, once complete disabled access will be through the new main entrance. We have a disabled toilet and a selection of specialist furniture within school to meet the needs of a variety of physical conditions. Please contact us if you have any questions about accessibility.
What specialist services are available at your school to meet my child’s needs?
We work with an extensive range of services and professionals to ensure we meet the needs of each individual child. We encourage these professionals to visit school as often as possible to work with our staff and share their expertise. Wherever possible, staff implement programmes of work linked to these professionals e.g. speech and language programmes, exercises recommended by physical therapies etc.
What training do staff supporting children with SEND have?
Members of staff have Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Level 1 qualification. In addition, our SEND support staff have a selection of training relating to Makaton, Movement Difficulties Programmes and specific training from Speech and Language Therapists. Each year the needs of children within our school are carefully considered and training organised to up-skill staff e.g. use of suction devices, PEGS feeding etc.
How will my child be included in activities outside of the classroom including school trips?
We ensure that all children are offered the opportunity to participate with activities outside of the classroom by making reasonable adjustments to the organisation of these. For example, we ensure SEND children have an appropriate level of adult support if going out of school, we organise transport that provides appropriate access and staff complete a comprehensive risk assessment of any excursion to ensure all children are safe and included. In addition, our SEND children are given the opportunity to participate in visits to settings that meet their specific needs e.g. sensory play.
How will your school prepare my child for the transition to Secondary school?
Children with SEND are given an extensive level of support before they leave for a new school. Their teacher and SENCo will discuss with secondary colleagues how many transition visits can be arranged over and above those offered to children without SEND. These additional visits to the new school will be carried out with the child and Secondary School Staff in the summer term. This ensures that bridges are built between schools, key information shared between staff and the child is given the opportunity to settle into a new routine with the support of a familiar adult.
How are parents involved with your school?
We are fully committed to encouraging parents to be involved with all aspects of school life. We welcome parents into school at the beginning and end of a school day and they are welcome to arrange additional dates to meet with the teacher to discuss progress and provision. We invite parents to school performances, our annual sponsored and Enterprise events, sports events and in certain year groups we also have phonics training sessions during the year. They are also encouraged to help with our school activities e.g. sewing in after-school club.
Who can I contact for further information?
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
