Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We are dedicated to being an inclusive school with the aim of ensuring that all children achieve their potential. Some children have special educational needs and the school is committed in providing appropriate support for all children to ensure that they make good progress, including;

· Catering for every pupil’s learning needs

· Providing a fully inclusive community of which every pupil is an important part

· Celebrating diversity and differences

· Building our pupils’ self-esteem and recognising their achievements at every level

· Working closely together with parents of pupils with SEN/D

· Identifying SEN/D early and putting appropriate support in place

· Training our staff so that they can help children learn in the way that suits them best.

What to do if I think my child has SEND?

If you have any concerns about your child, first of all talk to your child's class teacher. We value information from our parents, as this helps us to plan to meet the needs of your child better. Alternatively, you can contact the SENCo by phoning 01892 863044 or emailing office@speldhurst.kent.sch.uk.

Support for pupils with SEND

We offer a range of support for pupils based on their individual learning needs. Below are examples of some of the support that children may receive, where appropriate;

1.   Universal level – personalised quality first teaching in every lesson

This is a whole school response to children’s needs and takes place in all lessons. This involves quality first teaching and may also include the use of particular strategies or resources that are available to all, such as word mats and differentiated lessons.

2.   Targeted level – additional support

Targeted support is additional support for individuals or small groups such as Literacy or Maths booster groups, social communication skill groups and motor development activities. They may also involve teaching pupils how to use specific equipment within the classroom independently such as task management boards or visual cues. Some pupils who take part in these interventions may have special educational needs, whilst others may take part because they need some extra support in a specific area of learning.

3.  Personalised level – specific needs

These interventions are provided for individual learners with more specific or complex needs. These may include additional support from external services such as Speech and Language Therapy Service, Specialist Teaching Service or Child and Young Person Mental Health Service.

Useful Links

Kent County Council's SEND strategy SEND strategy - Kent County Council

The SEND Local Offer About the SEND local offer - Kent County Council

Information, advice and support for SEND Home | IASK

Information on SEND support groups, clubs and holiday activities Space 2 Be Me – Making a difference to the lives of disabled children and their families