1. Who are the best people to talk to about my child’s Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)?
Every teacher in our school is responsible and accountable for the progress and development of all pupils in their class, even when pupils access support from teaching assistants or specialist staff.
Teaching and supporting pupils with SEND is a whole school responsibility but in the first instance, you may find it most helpful to talk to your class teacher or the Special Education Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO). You can do this at one of our parents evenings, before or after school, or by contacting the school on: 07783 591 535 to make an appointment.
The roles and responsibilities of different members of staff are as follows:
Class teachers are responsible for:
- The progress and development of every pupil in their class
- Working closely with any teaching assistants or specialist staff to plan and assess the impact of support and interventions and how they can be linked to classroom teaching
- Working with the SENDCO to review each pupil’s progress and development and decide on any changes to provision
- Ensuring they follow the SEN policy
The SENDCO will:
- Work with the Principal and SEND trustee to determine the strategic development of the SEN policy and provision in the school
- Have day-to-day responsibility for the operation of this SEN policy and the co-ordination of specific provision made to support individual pupils with SEN, including those who have EHC plans
- Provide professional guidance to colleagues and work with staff, parents, and other agencies to ensure that pupils with SEN receive appropriate support and high quality teaching
- Advise on the graduated approach to providing SEN support
- Advise on the deployment of the school’s delegated budget and other resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively
- Be the point of contact for external agencies, especially the local authority and its support services
- Liaise with potential next providers of education to ensure pupils and their parents are informed about options and a smooth transition is planned
- Work with the Head of School and governing board to ensure that the school meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 with regard to reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
- Ensure the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEN up to date
The Principal will:
- Work with the SENDCO and SEN trustee to determine the strategic development of the SEN policy and provision in the school
- Have overall responsibility for the provision and progress of learners with SEN and/or a disability
The SEN Trustee will:
- Ensure that the full governing body is kept informed as to how the school is meeting its statutory requirements
- Help to raise awareness of SEN issues at governing body board meetings
- Monitor the quality and effectiveness of SEND provision within the school and update the governing board on this
- Work closely with the Head of School and SENDCO to determine the strategic development of the SEN policy and provision in the school