SEND Information Report

Our Vision

Our school is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which every child is valued, respected and able to participate fully in school life. We recognise that children have different strengths, experiences and barriers to learning. Through high expectations, inclusive teaching and appropriate support, all children are supported to achieve their potential.

We identify and respond to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through early assessment, careful planning and regular review. Staff work collaboratively with children, families and relevant professionals to implement targeted provision, reasonable adjustments and evidence-informed strategies. This approach promotes access, participation, progress and independence for every learner.

Accessibility Plan

The school’s Accessibility Plan sets out actions to promote equality of opportunity and remove barriers for disabled pupils.

Improve access to the curriculum

Review teaching resources and lesson planning to ensure materials are accessible.
Provide reasonable adjustments, including adapted tasks, assistive technology and appropriate support.
Monitor participation, progress and attainment to inform further action.

Improve the physical environment

Identify and address physical barriers that may restrict access to classrooms, shared areas and facilities.
Maintain clear routes and provide suitable furniture, signage and access arrangements.
Review the environment regularly with pupils, families and staff.

Improve access to information

Provide information in accessible formats, including enlarged print, electronic documents and visual resources.
Ensure communication with pupils and families is clear, timely and responsive to individual needs.
Review effectiveness through feedback and regular evaluation.

Support Available in School

School support is planned according to pupils’ individual needs and reviewed regularly with relevant staff and families. Available provision includes:

Quality First Teaching, including adaptive teaching, clear explanations and appropriate scaffolding within the classroom.
Small-group interventions to address identified needs in areas such as literacy, numeracy or social development.
Pastoral support to promote attendance, wellbeing and positive relationships.
Speech and language support, delivered through targeted strategies and specialist advice where required.
Social, emotional and mental health support, including appropriate intervention and signposting.
Provision for pupils with EHCPs, implemented in line with specified outcomes and provision, and monitored through an individualised approach.

Parent Information

Parents and carers should raise concerns promptly with the child’s class teacher or the appropriate member of staff. Concerns should be communicated clearly, with relevant information and examples, so that they can be considered and addressed appropriately.

To request a meeting with the SENDCo, please contact the school office, explaining the purpose of the meeting and any specific questions. The SENDCo can discuss special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), provision, progress and next steps.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people who require more support than ordinarily available. Further information is available through the SEND Code of Practice, GOV.UK EHCP guidance, IPSEA and Contact.

External Agencies

Schools may work with external agencies to support pupils’ educational, health and developmental needs. Multi-agency collaboration enables professionals to share relevant information, identify appropriate interventions and contribute to coordinated planning, with parental consent and in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

Agencies may include:

Educational Psychology, providing advice on learning, emotional wellbeing and educational provision.
Speech and Language Therapy, supporting communication, language and interaction.
Occupational Therapy, addressing sensory, physical and functional needs that affect participation.
CAMHS, offering specialist mental health assessment and intervention.
School Nursing Service, providing health advice, assessment and support within the school community.

SEND Admissions

For information on the admission of pupils with a disability, please visit the School Admissions section of our website and view the Accessibility Plan in our School Policies section. If you would like to discuss your child’s SEND in more detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

Local Authority Local Offer and Other Useful Links

The full range of local support available for children/ young people with SEND and their families within and outside of school can be found in the County Durham Local Offer

The following organisations provide reliable information, advice and guidance for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families:

Local Authority Local Offer – information about local SEND services, education, health and social care provision.
SENDIASS – impartial advice and support regarding SEND processes and education.
IPSEA – legal advice and resources concerning special educational needs.
National Autistic Society – information, guidance and support relating to autism.
Contact – advice for families of disabled children.
YoungMinds – resources and support concerning children and young people’s mental health.

Our Vision

Key Contacts