Frequently Asked Questions about SEN

Answers to Frequently asked Questions about SEN

1. How does your school know if children/young people need extra help?

If you are concerned about your child’s attainment, progress or any other difficulties they may be experiencing please talk to their class teacher, Rachel Murray (Head of School) or the SENDCo – Miss Tamsin Irons. Children are assessed at regular intervals during the school year – if a class teacher has concerns about the attainment/progress of a child (academically, emotionally or socially) then they will speak to the SENDCo and action will be decided from there. You and your child will be involved in this process.

2. What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

3. Who is responsible for the progress and success of my child in school?

Your child’s class teacher is responsible for their progress in school, with support from the SENDCo if necessary. Parents and carers also have their part to play by making sure they listen to their child read, get them to school every day on time and that they support their child with their learning targets at home. It is also important that parents and carers read regularly with their child and communicate with the school if there are changes in circumstance that may affect your child.

4. How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

The curriculum will be differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. This may be by children having different work to do, having a different expected outcome, extra resources or extra adult help in class.

5. How will school staff support my child?

If your child has special needs this will depend on the needs of your child. It may be through different work being planned for them, extra adult support in class, extra support out of class and setting up systems in class to allow children to work independently.

6. How will I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?

Targets for all SEND children are sent home three times a year in an Individual Education Plan (IEP), you will receive a school report in the Summer Term and there are parents’ evenings and opportunities to meet the teachers during the year. You are also welcome to make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher or the SENDCo at any time. They will be able to discuss with you how your child is doing and how you can support them.

7. What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?

All staff in school work hard to ensure that your child is safe and happy in school. For children who are experiencing emotional difficulties it may be that they can work with our trained support staff. The Early Help Hub is a single point of contact for outside agencies that may support your child. You can contact them yourself or speak to Miss Irons about your concerns and she can make a referral for you if necessary.

8. How do I know that my child is safe in school?

Your child’s safety is our first priority. We have an anti-bullying policy in place and any incidents of bullying are dealt with seriously. We have a number of members of staff who are trained in first aid and a team dedicated to support our staff in an awareness of specific conditions and illnesses. Safeguarding your child is everyone’s responsibility and staff are all trained to do this in an effective and rigorous way.

9. How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?

As a fully inclusive school, all children participate in whole school, curriculum and off site activities. The extent to which each child participates and the levels of support received will vary between children and across time, but we differentiate the activities and expectations to enable all children to take part. The exception to this would be if a child’s behaviour is a risk to themselves or others.

10. How are the school’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?

Each child receives support matched to their own level of Special Educational Need. This will vary across each day and throughout their time in our school,as the level of support is directly related to their needs and circumstances. Support is allocated in relation to the child’s individual needs and on the advice of external professionals. Support is monitored closely and adapted as and when necessary.

11. What should you do if you feel that the school is not meeting your child’s needs?

Parents who believe their child’s needs are not being met within school are asked to meet with the SENDCo to talk through their concerns in the first instance. Where concerns persist parents are asked to make an appointment with the Head of School or Executive Principal of the Atlantic Centre of Excellence Multi-Academy Trust, Jennie Walker. The Chair of Governors may be contacted if a parent feels this is necessary.

Any further questions: If you have any questions about how we support pupils, please don’t hesitate to contact the school on 01208 841306 or email Miss Tamsin Irons directly on: senco@st-columb-minor.cornwall.sch.uk