Special Educational Needs & Disability Provision

At St Alphonsus’ School, we have high aspirations of all children with no exception for children with special educational needs and disabilities. They are valued members of their community. Our vision for each child is to fulfil their potential through enjoying, achieving and celebrating their learning through a quality education matched appropriately to their particular needs.

What is SEND?

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is the provision that is available for pupils who have additional needs.

What are Special Educational Needs?

Special Educational Needs can be a number of different things and is not always isolated to one area of need. For example, your child could be having difficulties with reading, maths or behaviour, which school can help with by putting extra support in at school and by working in partnership with yourself. SEND could also be due to a disability which makes it harder for a child to access the same educational facilities that the school provides for the majority of children. For some children that may be a temporary difficulty, while others may have a long term need for additional support.

All children learn and develop in different ways. Teachers recognise this and ensure that appropriate provision and adaptations are made to the curriculum where required. However, some pupils may need support beyond this at some point in their education journey.

Who to speak to about SEND?

In the first instance, concerns should be raised with your child’s class teacher who will then pass information on to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo). Where an appointment is required with the SENDCo, this can be arranged through contacting the school office on 01642 243400 or emailing [email protected].org.uk.

Our SENDCo is Miss Rowland

What to do if I think my child has SEND?

As parents you are your child’s first educator and therefore know your child better than anyone else. If you feel like your child need additional support as they have a Special Educational Need, please speak to the class teacher or SENDCo.

In the conversation please share:

Why you think your child has SEN
whether your child learns at the same rate as other children their age
what the school can do to help
what you can do to help

Teachers and the SENDCo will follow the SEND Code of Practice (January 2015) to support any decisions that are made.

SENDIASS

Middlesbrough’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is provided by local charity Barnardos.

SENDIASS at Barnardos offers free, confidential and impartial help for children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities, and their parents. The service is there to help you make informed decisions around educational choices for children and young people with SEN. They will also offer help and support with related issues, such as health and social care provision, wherever possible.

It’s very important that families are fully involved in their child’s education. SENDIASS supports parents and carers in building and maintaining positive relationships with their child’s school and the Local Education Authority, so they feel empowered and fully informed.

Children and young people can also contact us directly, and are entitled to independent access to the free, confidential and impartial service provided by SENDIASS.

Useful Links

The following links may prove helpful and provide information regarding any help or assistance you may require regarding children with Special Educational Needs.