Pupils with Special Needs

Admission of pupils with disabilities

Our admissions policy is that all children are welcome and we aim to respond appropriately to each child’s background and individual needs.  The school admits pupils with already identified special educational needs, as well as identifying and providing for pupils not previously identified as having special educational needs.

Equal Access

Children with disabilities will be given full access to the National Curriculum, as is their right.  This will be achieved by differentiating the work to suit their abilities, matching the pupils’ needs and the curriculum offered, and supporting the children where necessary.  A range of equipment will be matched to the individual needs of the child.

Existing Facilities

The present school building was built in the 1960’s.  We have recently had some building work to update the office accommodation, Headteacher Office, disabled toilet and ICT Site. The school is a single storey building.

Accessibility Plan

In accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 this school has an Accessibility Plan which covers future policies and plans for increasing access to the school by pupils with disabilities.  A full copy of the plan can be made available upon request from the Headteacher.

Implementation of the Governing Body’s Policy on Special Educational Needs

Despite the class teacher’s support and differentiated planning, some children have difficulty in learning.  If this happens we will provide additional help and support.  We will discuss this with parents and devise an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the child.  This will be reviewed on a termly basis and at Parents’ Evenings.  A copy of the IEP will be sent home and any comments are welcomed.  This is called “School Action”.

If, despite this help, we are still concerned that a child is not making progress, we will increase the help that is given to a child.  We will do this if we feel that a child is falling significantly behind the rest of the class and we do not feel that we have sufficient expertise in school to plan appropriate curriculum activities.  If this is the case, we will ask for advice from professionals not directly employed by the school (such as BwD Pupil School & Family Service or the Educational Psychology service).  We will continue to use IEP’s but they will be more detailed.  This is called “School Action Plus”.  In a small number of cases where a child meets the Local Authority (LA) criterion for action, we will refer the child to the LA so they can consider making a detailed diagnostic assessment.  This will be fully discussed with the parents beforehand.  For pupils who have a statement of special educational needs, or receive extra funding from the LA (IPRA), the school will hold statutory reviews and meet all the statutory requirements.

We value the help that parents can give us and appreciate them sharing any problems a child may have had previously or during their time with us.  Should a parent have concerns about the progress of their child they should discuss them with the class teacher.  If there continues to be a cause for concern then this should be brought to the attention of the Special Needs Coordinator, Mrs J Embley-Peers.  Complaints about the special educational needs provision made by the school should be discussed with the Headteacher.  In the unlikely event that the Headteacher is unable to resolve the complaint, then the parents should write to the School’s Special Needs Governor – Mrs C Newman.

Further details can be found in the school’s special educational needs policy which is available on request.

Gifted and Talented Pupils

We cater for our more able pupils by identifying them at an early age and creating opportunities for them to excel by providing enriching materials and experiences to suit their needs.