Bewcastle Primary School Special Educational Needs Information Report
At Bewcastle Primary School, we believe in a holistic education that enables every child to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm. Our aim is to provide all pupils with a caring, secure and stimulating educational environment in which they feel valued, their needs and abilities recognised and their achievements celebrated.
We work closely with parents and carers in order to enable all children to achieve their potential. Identifying and making appropriate provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) always involves working with the child’s voice or views in mind and through discussions with parents/carers.
High quality teaching with appropriate differentiation is key but there are times when additional support and resources are needed to help all of our children reach their potential and to be the best that they can be.
The SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator) is Jane Howard.
The nominated SEND governor is Emma James.
How does Bewcastle Primary School know if children need extra help?
We know that pupils may need extra help if;
- concerns are raised by parents/carers, teachers or the child and
- little or no progress is being made or
- a child’s behaviour or progress begins to change.
What should I do if I think my child may have Special Educational Needs and/or a disability?
At first, you should discuss any concerns that you may have with your child’s class teacher.
If you still have any concerns then you should discuss your concern with the SENCO or Mr Dixon.
How will school staff support my child?
Teachers will plan carefully for the individual child. Their work and activities will be differentiated according to the child’s individual needs. This may include additional support by their teacher or a teaching assistant in class, small group work or one to one targeted intervention.
- Sometimes children need more expert support from an outside agency such as the Local Authority’s Educational Psychologist. A referral will be made with your consent and sent to the appropriate agency. After assessment, a programme of support is developed to meet the needs of the individual child.
- Governors ensure that all child protection, safeguarding and policies regarding inclusion are monitored and followed.
How will the curriculum be matched to the needs of my child?
- When a child has been identified with SEND, their work is differentiated by their teacher to help them access the curriculum more easily.
- Teaching Assistants and / or the class teacher may work with your child 1-1, in a group within the class or in an intervention group to target a specific need.
How will I know how my child is progressing?
In addition to the school’s normal reporting arrangements we have an “open door policy” to enable more informal and frequent conversations. We encourage parents to come in to school with any queries, questions, concerns or just for a chat! Teachers always keep parents informed of their child’s progress; they share any achievements and discuss any concerns.
What support will there be for my child’s overall well being?
All adults at Bewcastle Primary School will ensure that your child feels safe and happy at school at all times.
The school follows statutory guidance in the administration of medicines and provision of personal care.
If a pupil has a medical need then a detailed care plan is compiled with support from the school nurse and other health professionals in consultation with parents/carers. These are discussed with all staff involved with the pupil.
All staff have Paediatric first aid training
What specialist services and expertise are available or accessed by Bewcastle Primary School?
There is a wealth of expertise and experience amongst school staff. At Bewcastle Primary School we are proud of the positive partnerships we have built with agencies such as;
- Educational Psychologist
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech and Language Therapist
- Specialist Advisory Teacher for Autism
- Specialist Advisory Teacher for Physical Medical Difficulties
- CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Service)
- ACE – Assistive communications
What training do Bewcastle Primary School staff have in order to support children with SEND?
Staff share expertise through discussion and collaboration. Individual staff development needs are identified and met as part of the formal appraisal process. Training is also responsive to the needs of the individual pupil.
How accessible is Bewcastle Primary School?
The school is on one level and has wheelchair access via a ramp into the school hall. The large outside play area is accessible to all. The school has a toilet specifically with disable access.
How will the school prepare or support my child when joining Bewcastle Primary School or transferring to a new school?
At Bewcastle School we are aware that transferring schools can be a stressful time for children. We therefore ensure that any transition is carefully planned.
Some of the strategies in place include:
- “Taster” visits for Nursery and Reception children
- Carefully assessing new children so teachers can begin to plan for their individual needs immediately
- Taster visits for Y5 and Y6 children at their local secondary school.
- A separate meeting for children with SEND may be arranged with Jane Howard, (school SENCO) and the Secondary School SENCO.
How are the schools resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
- We receive funding for every child, and further funding for pupil premium children.
- Further funding is available for children with a higher level of need via an Educational Health Care Plan.
- We aim to allocate resources appropriately to meet the needs for all children with SEND.
How is the decision made about how much support my child will receive?
The decisions about the type of support your child needs will be based on discussions by all interested parties, including you as parent/carer. The amount and type of support will be reviewed on a regular basis, (termly) against the progress your child has made.
- All the funding is matched to the child and the majority is spent on adults and learning materials.
- Your child will be assessed individually and according to how much intervention your child needs, a programme will be mapped out accordingly and shared with you.
All parents/carers are encouraged to take an active role in contributing to their child’s progress at Bewcastle Primary School. You can do this by
- Meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress
- Attending parents’ evenings
- Attending meetings with the SENCO or with other professionals
- Sharing your views on your child’s learning and progress
Who can I contact for further information?
- Jane Howard– SENDCO
- Emma James - Governor responsible for SEND
If you would like to know more about Cumbria County Council's SEND Local Offer please click on the link below.