Special Educational Needs

SEN = Special Educational needs

This is an area of support for:

• Students with Psychological Reports,
• Students needing a reduced timetable for various reasons.
• Students not doing a subject.

What does the SEN Department do?

Learning support classes are put in place in literacy and numeracy at times when a subject is not being taken.

Classes are provided for additional support and also separate classes are put in place for high achievers, providing additional curricula in a variety of subjects.
 

The SEN Departments Aims

• To enable these pupils to participate in the full curriculum for their class level.
• To develop positive self-esteem and positive attitudes about school and learning in these pupils.
• To enable those pupils to monitor their own learning and become independent learners.
• To provide supplementary teaching and additional support in English and Maths.
• To involve parents in supporting their children through effective parent/teacher support.
• To establish early intervention programmes designed to enhance learning and to prevent / reduce difficulties in learning.

Open-door policy

• Parents are encouraged to contact the school to schedule a meeting (prior to start of term and/or anytime during the academic year).
• Any concern is a concern that must be shared.
• Early intervention to any concern is paramount.
• Communication is key.

During the school year the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) ensures the following agenda is fully completed to ensure all students are given the utmost care:

• Carry out assessments of pupils with SEN to identify needs and monitor progress – including observations in the classroom and meeting with teachers and parents
• Work with classroom teachers, the school leadership team, parents and relevant external agencies to develop, implement and monitor individual support/learning plans
• Provide regular updates on pupil progress through written reports and meetings with parents
• Make referrals and liaise with professionals outside of the school – this could include psychologists, health and social care providers, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists
• Provide advice, guidance and training to classroom teachers on supporting pupils with SEN
• Support teachers to develop schemes of work and learning programmes for pupils with SEN
• Support teachers to develop and implement effective teaching and behaviour management approaches in the classroom
• Manage and advise on the school budget and resources for SEN provision
• Develop and maintain systems for keeping pupil records, ensuring information is accurate and up to date
• Analyse school, local and national data and develop appropriate strategies and interventions
• Manage SEN teachers, teaching assistants and support staff to improve pupil progress and attainment.

Wellbeing Room

The wellbeing room is available to a student who needs a time out period during the school day.

The SEN Department works tirelessly to ensure all pupils reach their full potential in all aspects in their life.

Our Wellbeing Outdoor Chill Zone

Our student and teacher Chill Zones were launched in September 2022. Each of these areas were created as a place for students and teachers to relax and take some time out. The student area is inviting and bright. We have plans in place for the year ahead to include a garden section where students will get out in the fresh air and do some planting. As we know fresh air gives you more energy and a sharper mind, therefore having these areas will be of great benefit to us all.

Our Wellbeing Padlet

Our Wellbeing Padlet was created back in April 2020 and has since been a huge success for us. The SPHE teacher updates it weekly with exam tips, meditations, quotes and relaxation tunes, just to mention a few, for students to have easy access to whenever they most need it. All students sign up to the Padlet and have access to it for free. Meditation and mindfulness is part of all SPHE classes and the teacher uses resources from the padlet on a daily basis.