SEND
At Calmore Junior School, we are committed to providing an inclusive education where every child is valued and supported. We believe that all children, regardless of their individual needs, should have the opportunity to thrive, learn, and reach their full potential. Our approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) ensures that every child is given the support they need to succeed.
Our SEND Vision
We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where children with SEND feel safe, confident, and valued. By working closely with parents, carers, and external professionals, we ensure that our SEND children receive tailored support that meets their specific needs, enabling them to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
What is SEND?
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These may include:
- Learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia)
- Communication and interaction difficulties (e.g., speech and language delays, autism spectrum disorder)
- Physical or sensory disabilities (e.g., hearing or visual impairments)
- Social, emotional, and mental health needs
At Calmore Junior School, we are dedicated to identifying and supporting children with SEND as early as possible to ensure they have the best opportunities to succeed.
Our SEND Support
We provide a range of support to ensure that children with SEND have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. This support may include:
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Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): We create personalised learning plans tailored to the specific needs of each child. These plans may include different teaching strategies, modified resources, or additional support.
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Differentiated Teaching: Teachers adapt their lessons to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND. This may involve offering different levels of challenge, using visual aids, or providing extra time to complete tasks.
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Small Group or One-to-One Support: Some children may receive additional support in small groups or one-to-one sessions with teaching assistants or specialised staff. These sessions focus on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or social skills.
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External Support and Advice: We work closely with external professionals, such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure that children with SEND receive the specialist support they need.
Identifying SEND
At Calmore Junior School, we are committed to identifying SEND as early as possible. We continually assess children’s progress through regular observations, assessments, and discussions with teachers and parents. If concerns about a child’s development or learning emerge, we work with parents and carers to investigate these further. In some cases, we may involve external agencies to carry out additional assessments and provide further support.
The SEND Team
Our SEND team is made up of skilled and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality support for children with SEND:
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SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator): [Name of SENDCo]
The SENDCo is responsible for overseeing all aspects of SEND provision in the school, ensuring that the needs of all children with SEND are met and that support is regularly reviewed and adapted. -
Teaching Assistants (TAs): Our TAs play a key role in supporting children with SEND in the classroom, both individually and in small groups. They work closely with teachers to ensure that learning is accessible and engaging for all students.
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External Professionals: We work with a range of external professionals, including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and other specialists, to support children with complex or specific needs.
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers
We believe that collaboration between school and home is vital to the success of children with SEND. We maintain open communication with parents and carers, keeping them informed about their child’s progress and involving them in decisions about their child’s education. We invite parents to regular meetings to review progress and to discuss any concerns.
The Graduated Approach
We follow a graduated approach to support children with SEND. This involves:
- Wave 1 – Quality First Teaching: All children, including those with SEND, receive high-quality teaching that is differentiated to meet their needs.
- Wave 2 – Targeted Support: Some children may need additional support in the form of interventions, either in small groups or one-to-one, to help them catch up or address specific challenges.
- Wave 3 – Specialist Support: For children with more complex needs, we may seek specialist advice and support from external agencies, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate and targeted interventions.
Access to the Curriculum
At Calmore Junior School, we ensure that all children, including those with SEND, have access to a full and balanced curriculum. We adapt teaching methods, resources, and assessments to ensure that children with SEND can participate fully in lessons and activities. We also provide additional support when needed to help children overcome barriers to learning and ensure they can achieve their best.
How to Raise Concerns
If you have any concerns about your child’s learning or development, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns and work with you to ensure the best outcomes for your child. You can contact:
- SENDCo: Miss. C. Ingram
Together, we can ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they receive the best possible education.
At Calmore Junior School, we are dedicated to supporting every child, ensuring they feel included, valued, and empowered to achieve their potential. Our SEND provision is built around the individual needs of each child, and we are committed to providing the highest standard of support to help them succeed both academically and personally.
If you have any questions or would like more information about SEND at Calmore Junior School, please get in touch. We are here to help.