SEND
Date Amended: 21st February 2024
Date for Review: 21st February 2025
SEND Information Report
1. What should I do if I think my child has special educational needs?
2. How will the school respond to my concern?
3. How will the school decide if my child needs extra support?
4. What will the school do to support my child?
5. Who will support my child in school?
6. What training and experience do staff have for the additional support my child needs?
7. Who else might be involved in supporting my child?
8. What support will there be for my child's emotional and social well-being?
9. How will my child be involved in the process and able to contribute their views?
10. How will the curriculum be matched to my child's needs?
11. What opportunities will there be for me to discuss my child’s attainment and achievement? How will I know how well my child is progressing?
12. How does the school know how well my child is doing?
13. How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?
14. How accessible is the school environment? How accessible is the curriculum?
15. How will the school prepare and support my child to join the school and to transfer to a new setting?
16. How can I be involved in supporting my child?
17. How can I access support for myself and my family?
18. What can I do if I am unhappy with the provision being provided for my child?
19. Who can I contact for further information?
20. Glossary of terms
‘Being the best that we can be.’
At Grimoldby Primary School we are committed to supporting all learners to achieve their very best.
This report is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We will review and update this information regularly to reflect changes and feedback. The date for the next annual review of this report is February 2025.
1. What should I do if I think my child has special educational needs?
i. In the first instance you should speak to the class teacher. The class teacher is the person working with your child day to day and is always happy to speak to you about any aspect of school life.
ii. It may then be appropriate to make an appointment to speak to the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCo) Mrs Sophie Waters.
2. How will the school respond to my concern?
i. Staff will listen and take account of the information you provide.
ii. The teacher may initiate and complete a cause for concern. This information will be shared with you and monitored regularly.
iii. Information will then be recorded by the Class Teacher and passed on to the SENDCo and members of the Senior Leadership Team.
iv. An observation, further assessment or meeting may be arranged with the SENDCo to discuss concerns and support.
v. If after further assessments there is still a concern your child may be entered onto the SEND register – in this case information will be shared with you at every stage and the teacher will set up an Individual Provision Plan.
vi. Please also see the SEND policy.
3. How will the school decide if my child needs extra support?
We aim to identify any special educational needs and disability as early as possible. The decision to place a child on the SEND register is always made in discussion with the Class Teacher, Teaching Assistants, SENDCo, parents/carers and professionals. The best interests and wellbeing of the child are paramount. When considering if a child needs SEND support we take into account:
i. The pupil’s previous progress and attainment
ii. The teacher’s assessment and experience of the pupil
iii. The pupil’s development in comparison to their peers and national data
iv. The views and experience of parents
v. The pupil’s own views
vi. Specialist assessment and advice from external support services, where appropriate
vii. The pupil’s attendance rates at school over time.
We use a cycle of Assess, Plan, Do and Review. Once children have been identified and the needs have been assessed staff will plan the support which will be delivered and then review at least three times per year.
A diagnosis does not necessarily automatically mean that a child will be referred to the SEND register.
If your child does not have a diagnosis but is experiencing difficulties in school a referral to the SEND register may still be considered appropriate and support will be planned to meet the needs of the individual child.
We will never make assumptions about children based on a diagnosis and we do not base support solely on a diagnosis, all provision is based on individual needs and learning styles.
There are four broad areas of need that we provide for. These are;
a) Communication and interaction
i) Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.
ii) Children and young people with ASD, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination, which can impact on how they relate to others.
b) Cognition and learning
i) Support for learning difficulties may be required when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers, even with appropriate differentiation. Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication, through to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment.
ii) Specific learning difficulties (SpLD), affect one or more specific aspects of learning. This encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
c) Social, emotional and mental health difficulties
i) Children and young people may experience a wide range of social and emotional difficulties which manifest themselves in many ways. These may include becoming withdrawn or isolated, as well as displaying challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviour. These behaviours may reflect underlying mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders or physical symptoms that are medically unexplained. Other children and young people may have disorders such as attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder or attachment disorder.
ii) We follow processes set out in our “Behaviour Policy” and “Positive Handling Policy” to support children and young people, so it does not adversely affect other pupils.
d) Sensory and/or physical needs
i) Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health
ii) Some children and young people with a physical disability (PD) require additional ongoing support and equipment to access all the opportunities available to their peers.
4. What will the school do to support my child?
i. If appropriate the class teacher will set up an Individual Provision Plan. This will highlight strengths and areas of difficulty for the child and set realistic short term targets.
IPP Example:
ii. Interventions may include small group work, individual support programs, use of visual supports, individual work stations, use of extra resources, support at play time or transition times.
iii. Please also see the SEND policy.
5. Who will support my child in school?
i. It is the responsibility of all class teachers to plan for all children in the class including those with SEND and the first step in our graduated response to SEND will always be quality first teaching and differentiated learning opportunities within the classroom.
ii. Intervention groups and individual support may be led by a teacher or a teaching assistant.
iii. Please see the information below around qualifications or certificates held by staff in school relating to SEND support.
The graduated approach means that children will first be supported through quality first teaching in the classroom. The SENDCo may become involved to offer advice and support where children’s needs cannot be met solely through this approach. Where children have more significant needs that require specialist support, external agencies may be called upon. The support of external agencies can involve specialist assessments, specialist taught sessions, group work and individual support. Other support offered by external agencies provides staff and parents with specialist advice to implement with children in school and/or at home so that staff develop the skills and expertise to support children’s individual needs in the long term.
6. What training and experience do staff have for the additional support my child needs?
The SENDCo has achieved the National SENDCo Award. The National SENDCo Award is a masters level course that is statutory for all SENDCos appointed newly to the role since September 2008. The SENDCo works closely with all colleagues to ensure that children identified as having Special Educational Needs and disabilities are receiving the best support available to achieve the best outcomes for each individual child.
Special Educational Needs training and qualifications are not limited to the SENDCo alone. The school is committed to providing all staff with continued professional development and members of staff aim to attend courses where content matches current need within the school. Our staff are equipped to support pupils with a wide range of SEND having had experience or training in the following areas:
· Implementing additional English support.
· Implementing additional Maths support.
· Working with children with Specific Learning difficulties.
· Working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
· Working with children with Speech and Language Difficulties.
· Working with children with Selective Mutism.
· Working with children who are Sensory Impaired.
Within the last year all Teaching Assistants have attended training on:
- Dyslexia Awareness
- Making sense of Autism
Some Teaching Assistants have attended training on:
- Promoting Positive Behaviour
- De-escalation Techniques
- Autism & Anxiety
SENDCo training:
- Graduated Approach Briefing
- SEND a tiered approach
We also have staff members trained in the following:
Positive Handling: Positive Handling is the promotion of de-escalation strategies and the reduction of risk and restraint, to support teaching, learning and caring, by increasing staff confidence and competence, in responding to behaviours that challenge, whilst promoting and protecting positive relationships.
WellComm: A speech and language tool kit to promote early identification and offer support for children with speech and language difficulties.
First Call: A programme to support children with speech and language difficulties.
NELI: The Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) is a programme for children in Reception (4-5 years) which has been found to improve children’s language and early literacy skills.
Counselling skills level 2: We have staff members who are qualified level 2 counsellors.
We also have two members of staff who are trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) and members of staff who are qualified in:
- Solutions focused coaching;
- Bereavement, Grief and Loss support;
- FRIENDS For Life;
- LEGO Therapy
- Drawing and Talking Therapy
Please also refer to the wellbeing section on our website.
7. Who else might be involved in supporting my child?
We work in partnership with a variety of other agencies to help us provide the best outcomes for children and their families. Referrals to an external agency are usually made by the SENDCO after discussion with parents and colleagues. The SENDCO will also signpost parents and colleagues to workshops or training external agencies are offering.
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For more information about the agencies we work or to find out who is likely to work with your child please see the class teacher or the school SENDCo.
8. What support will be there for my child’s emotional and social wellbeing?
At Grimoldby Primary School the wellbeing of our children is paramount. We believe that the mental health and wellbeing of our children is critical to success in school and in life. Children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are addressed.
Every class provides a wide range of activities to promote emotional health and mental wellbeing. More details of this can be found in our Wellbeing section.
We employ a Family Support Worker who will liaise with class teachers about children’s wellbeing. She is available to support children in a range of ways including emotional and social inclusion support and can sign post to support groups for families.
For more information around wellbeing please visit the wellbeing section of our school website.
9. How will my child be involved in the process and be able to contribute their views?
Children are involved in writing their Individual Provision Plans.
Children are always asked to self-assess their own targets before a review takes place. They use colours to show if they feel a target has been achieved, partly achieved or not achieved and have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. Children also have regular opportunities to add to or change the information on the front page of their Individual Provision Plan about their strengths and interests.
10. How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
- The curriculum is taught through year group projects and class teachers differentiate work to match the needs of all children;
- Pupils with SEND are encouraged to engage in all activities, including physical activities together with children who do not have SEND. Individual provision will be made where appropriate;
- Interventions will be planned where appropriate (see 5i and 5ii).
- See section 14 for more information.
11. What opportunities will there be for me to discuss my child’s attainment and achievement? How will I know how well my child is progressing?
At Grimoldby Primary School, we believe that a close working relationship with parents is vital in order to ensure early and accurate identification and assessment of SEND leading to appropriate intervention and provision, continuing social and academic progress of children with SEND and personal and academic targets are set and met effectively.
SEND reviews take place three times per year and parents will be invited to attend. Parent’s evenings also take place in Term 2 and Term 4 and we have regular Parent 'Drop In' sessions. Parents are invited to attend meetings with external agencies regarding their child, and are kept up to date and consulted on any points of action drawn up in regards to the provision for their child.
If further meetings are appropriate these can be arranged with the SENDCo.
If at any time you become concerned about the progress your child is making, please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or the school SENDCo who will be happy to discuss this with you.
12. How does the school know how well my child is doing?
Assessments are on-going throughout the year and every pupil in the school has their progress reviewed regularly. Where a pupil is receiving SEND support, progress is measured against individual targets at least three times per year in the Autumn, Spring and Summer Term. Some pupils with SEND may have more frequent reviews if they are required.
Along side this, the progress of all children and the support in place is discussed at least termly through Pupil Progress meetings with the Class Teacher, Head Teacher and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
13. How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?
All children will be able to access after school clubs and school trips regardless of needs and abilities. A risk assessment will always be carried out and if needed will include information about access arrangements.
If at any time you are concerned about your child’s inclusion in extracurricular activities or school trips, please in the first instance see the class teacher and then if appropriate arrange a discussion with the school SENDCo.
14. How accessible is the school environment? How accessible is the curriculum?
Grimoldby Primary School is all on one level, with wheelchair access from roadside into school with access to all classrooms, group rooms and outdoor learning areas. There is also a disabled toilet available.
The curriculum is taught through projects (click here to learn more). We offer a broad and balanced curriculum for all children and young people including those with SEND. Initially, a child's progress is monitored by the class teacher. High quality teaching is always the first step in all pupils' progress. This is closely monitored by the Senior Leadership Team and through external verification.
Class teachers plan all learning to appropriately match each child's individual needs. They make adaptions to ensure all pupils take part and make progress against the National Curriculum expectations. Typically, this might mean there are different learning points throughout a lesson (known as differentiation). Pupils may be directed or supported through a different level of differentiation to their peers, or a pupil may select their own starting point from a selection of differentiated activities. Teachers may adapt the project Knowledge Organiser to ensure that it is more accessible, pre-teach vocabulary to support a pupil to access the lesson or allow additional time to complete a task where appropriate.
Please also see the School Accessibility Policy for more information.
15. How will the school prepare and support my child to join the school and to transfer to a new setting?
Transition support includes visits to other settings, extra visits to the school, transition books and visual supports where appropriate and meetings with parents/carers.
Staff and SENDCos from a child’s future setting will always be invited to attend meetings to enable an easy transition for children.
Transition for children with SEND will always be carefully planned and transition plans will be put in place, often including a transition book. The transition book can be prepared for new children to the school to show entrances into the school, staff, the new classroom, the toilets, the hall, timetables etc. They are also prepared for children moving on to new settings or for moving to their next year group (where appropriate). Usually a member of staff will arrange to accompany the child on a special visit to take photographs and prepare the transition book.
For more information about transition or if you have concerns about transition for your child please see the school SENDCo who coordinates the transition across the whole school.
16. How can I be involved in supporting my child?
Individual Provision Plans will include information about how parents/carers can support children at home.
You will have regular opportunities to come into school and see class teachers and the SENDCo as appropriate.
17. How can I access support for myself and my family?
Appointments can be made to meet with the SENDCo and/or Family Support Worker as needed.
Local authorities have a statutory duty to develop and publish a Local Offer, setting out in one place information about the support they expect to be available in their area across education, health and social care for children and young people in their area who have SEN or are disabled, including those who do not have EHC plans. To access the Local Offer, please click here.
Some useful websites and support groups:
www.parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk - practical tips to support wellbeing and behaviour at home (short videos)
www.barnardos.org.uk – information for parents around Special Educational Needs advice.
www.ipsea.org.uk – information for parents around Special Educational Needs advice.
www.specialneedsjungle.com – general resources for parents around Special Educational Needs advice. www.talkingpoint.org.uk – site to support parents and children with speech and language difficulties. www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk – site to support parents and children with cerebral palsy.
www.autism.org.uk – site to support parents and children with autism.
www.ADHDfoundation.org.uk – site to support parents and children with ADHD.
www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk – site to support parents and children with dyspraxia.
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk – site to support parents and children with dyslexia.
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk – site to support parents and children with downs syndrome.
www.rnib.org.uk – site to support parents and children with sight difficulties.
www.ndcs.org.uk – site to support parents and children with hearing difficulties.
www.youngminds.org.uk – site to support children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Young minds Parent Helpline: 08088025544.
www.lincspcf.org.uk - a registered charity that represent parents and carers of children with disabilities and Special Educational Needs. www.camh.org.uk - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Working Together Team Helpline: 01775 840250 (Parent Helpline is available during school hours)
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fsd - Lincolnshire Family Services Directory.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/liaise - SEND information, advice and support.
18. What can I do if I am unhappy with the provision being provided for my child?
If you feel concerned or are unhappy with any aspect of provision for your child, you should in the first instance contact the school and arrange a meeting with the SENDCo. If you feel that there are still concerns, you may wish to contact the Head Teacher.
19. Who can I contact for further information?
Key members of staff (and order of contact):
- Class Teacher
- SENDCo – Mrs Sophie Waters
- Family Support Worker – Mrs Caroline Jaines
- Head Teacher - Miss Antonia Brooks
20. A Glossary of terms
SEND:
Special educational needs and disabilities.
SENDCo: Special educational needs and disabilities coordinator:
The special educational needs and disabilities coordinator is responsible for overseeing the provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and ensuring that staff receive appropriate training to support additional needs in the classroom.
Graduated approach:
The graduated approach means that children will first be supported through quality first teaching in the classroom. The SENDCo may become involved to offer advice and support where children’s needs cannot be met solely through this approach. Where children have more significant needs that require specialist support external agencies may be called upon. The support of external agencies can involve specialist assessments, specialist taught sessions, groups work and individual support.
Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle:
Teachers will assess pupils regularly which will then allow them to plan appropriate support to be delivered in school and this will then be reviewed regularly. Assessment is part of the review and so the cycle begins again.
Individual Provision Plan:
At Grimoldby Primary School we use Individual Provision Plans to build information about the child’s strengths and interests. We will always include the latest assessment information. The Individual Provision Plan identifies what the child finds difficult and details what provision is in place for an individual child. This could be provision that is additional to and different from the provision usually available through quality first teaching in the classroom. The Individual Provision Plan also includes individual targets that are set after consultation with the child, parents/carers, the class teacher and occasionally through assessments from The Specialist Teaching Team. These identify the next steps for the individual child. It also includes ideas that parents/carers can use at home to support the child’s learning. Each time the Individual Provision Plan is reviewed the child, parents/carer and any other professionals supporting the child are consulted and their thoughts are recorded on the review page. The pupil profile is reviewed at least 3 times per year.
Transition:
Transition is when children move from one year group, setting, class or school into a new year group, setting, class or school. This can be difficult for children with SEND and we will plan additional support at these times for those that require it.
Provision:
Provision is the support and the teaching that we provide for the children. For children with SEND the staff will provide support that is additional to and different from the provision that is routinely available to children in the classroom. This provision may still take place in the classroom or outside in a different room or space. The provision may be individual or in a small group and it may involve separate or specialist resources. Some examples of SEND provision are: a physiotherapy program, a speech and language program of support, small group extra phonics or maths work.
Diagnosis:
A diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional such as a Community Paediatrician, Specialist Doctor or Consultant. A diagnosis will identify a specific named condition that may or may not impact upon a child’s ability to access the curriculum. Some examples are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy.
Progress:
Progress refers to a measurement of how much children have learnt or improved over time. If a child has SEND they may progress differently and at a different rate from other children in their year group. At reviews and parents evenings staff will talk to you about how much progress your child is making and will identify whether they are meeting age related expectations. If they are making significantly less progress than other children or achieving significantly lower outcomes they may be identified as having a special educational need.