What is special educational needs?

A child defined as having special educational needs (S.E.N.) if he or she needs additional or different provision to enable him/her to make progress and fulfil his/her potential.

The child's difficulties may be associated with a phyiscal disability, a medical problem, an emotional problem or a learning difficulty. They may be temporary or long term.

Our Aims

At Pebsham C.P. School we aim to :-

  • Provide a caring and supportive environment
  • Identify, as soon as possible, any difficulty that a child might be experiencing
  • Actively involve the child in all activities
  • Assist the child to achieve success
  • Support and develop self-esteem and independence
  • Work in partnership with parents, support staff and other agencies to meet the child's needs.

Resources

The school believes that wherever possible, the child with Special Education Needs should be accommodated within the school environment. However, it may be necessary, from time to time, to make special provisions. These will be monitored closely. Children with Special Educational Needs are supported in the classroom by learning support assistants. This support can be on a one to one level or in a group situation. The childrens' progress is monitored carefully and discussed regularly with parents. Parents of the children with Special Educational Needs are always welcome to discuss their child's progress with the class teacher and Mrs Smith, the school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

Terms and Definitions

S.E.N.
Special Educational Needs
SENCO
S.E.N. Co-ordinator
SENIMS
S.E.N. in Mainstream Schools
I.E.P.
Individual Action Plan
STATEMENT
Legal document that identifies S.E.N. and the provisions required
S.E.N. Register
A list recording the names, category of need and principle difficulties of children

Recording Information

We use the SENIMS system to identify the S.E.N. level of each child. The child's needs are reviewed 3 times a year and parents will be asked to fill in a pre-review form if their child is on School Action, School Action Plus or has a statement. This helps the school to work in partnership with parents.

The Concerns List

Concerns are noted and appropriate assessments are made to identify difficulties. Progress is then monitored. The child then either remains on the Concerns List or is placed in a category of need as described below.

Categories of Need

School Action

If progress is not significant a child is placed on School Action. An I.E.P. is devised and more time is allocated to support the child in the class.

School Action Plus

Progress at School Action is not significant. The school calls on outside specialist help.

Statement

A statement is written by the County Education Department identifying the child's needs and the provisions needed to address these. The statement is reviewed annually.

If significant progress is made the child is moved from School Action Plus to School Action and then onto a montioring stage. Parents are kept informed and will be consulted when the child moves onto a different stage. Children do not have to move up and down step by step through the stages, although this will often happen.

Who's who - Roles & Responsibilities

Head Teacher

Mrs P. Strickson - Responsible for the overall management of S.E.N. provision.

S.E.N. Co-ordinator

Mrs A.Smith - Responsible for:

  • The day to day operation of the S.E.N. policy
  • Working with and advising fellow teachers to set and monitor targets
  • Keeping in touch with parents
  • Working with outside agencies

Teaching Assistants

Work with teachers to support children throughout the school.

Class Teachers

Work alongside the S.E.N. Co-ordinator in the identification of Special Educational Needs, implementing the policy, writing I.E.P.'s and delivering a suitably differentiated curriculum.

School Governors

The school governors are responsible with the Head Teacher for the school's policy and reporting to parents.

Governor with S.E.N. Responsibility

Mrs A. Webb

For further information contact

Parent Link - 01273 481172

This is an organisation specially set up to give parents information, advice and support.

Mrs A. Smith SENCO

Pebsham C.P. School