SEND
Divine Saviour School is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils. There is a shared expectation that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, should be offered inclusive teaching, which will enable them to make the best possible progress in school and feel that they are a valued member of the wider school community. It is our intention that through our curriculum and our approach to teaching and learning that all children including those with SEND have the “knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life” (The Education Inspection Framework May 2019). We believe that where best practice meets the needs of disadvantaged children and those with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities it is best practice for all.
Divine Saviour Catholic Primary School is an inclusive school and will offer a range of provision to support children with communication and interaction, cognition and learning difficulties, social, mental and emotional health problems or sensory or physical needs.
The range of support deployed will be tailored to individual need following thorough assessment by internal or, where appropriate, external agencies. It is designed to promote pupils working towards becoming independent and resilient learners and should not be seen in isolation.
At Divine Saviour every teacher is a teacher of SEND. Inclusion is at the heart of our school ethos and is enhanced by the collaboration of all stakeholders: Governors, SLT, teachers, support staff and parents all of whom hold the child at the centre of all that we do.
What kind of SEND to children in our school have?
We are a mainstream school and the majority of our pupils are expected to reach the learning goals for their chronological age. A small number of our pupils do have special educational needs and disabilities. Children are identified as having SEND when they have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age or have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age in schools within the area of the Local Authority (SEND Regulations 2014).
Typically, children with SEND in our school have difficulties with communication and language, learning generally, social or emotional development, and sensory or physical difficulties.
How do we know if a pupil has SEND and how will they be supported?
Our class teachers closely monitor the progress made by all the children. Pupil Progress Meetings are held every half term at which teachers discuss the progress and attainment of all pupils with members of the SLT. Activities are planned such as small group work or interventions to help the child/ren who are not making expected progress.
Teachers will also ask advice from the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) as soon as they have concerns about any pupil.
There can be many reasons for pupils ‘falling behind’ and information is gathered from teachers, assessments, parents and pupils before making the decision the child has SEND. Factors that may contribute to a pupil not making progress could include; absences, change of setting/school, difficulties with speaking English, changes in life that cause the child worries. Divine Saviour understands all these changes can have an affect on a child’s learning and make them vulnerable. This does not mean that all vulnerable learners have SEND. Those pupils identified as requiring specialist provision are identified as having SEND.
If a child is identified as having SEND the SENCo and class teacher will meet with parents/carers and together agree what additional support will be put in place, which may involve advice and/or assessment from an external specialist service.
Where can I find information about the school SEND Policy and Information Report?
Our SEND Policy will give you all the information you need about how we make provision for all pupils with SEND. Please see below for a copy of the policy.
If you would like to discuss our SEND provision or find out more, please contact our SENCo.
How will I know that my child is making progress?
Your child will be continually assessed against age related expectations and progress for each year group. You will have the opportunity to meet with the class teacher through Parents Consultation Evenings twice a year and a written report at the end of the year. At these meetings progress and targets will be shared and reviewed.
Children are also regularly involved in self-assessment to reflect on their own practice and identify next steps and personal targets.
Who should I contact if I have concerns about my child's learning or progress?
Your first step should be to talk with your child’s class teacher. You can make an appointment for a telephone consultation or face to face meeting at any time.
If you continue to have concerns you should contact the SENCo. If this still doesn’t resolve your concerns you should contact the Headteacher.
Appointments can be arranged by contacting the school office by email at admin@divinesaviour.herts.sch.uk or by phone 01923 265607.
How do our teachers support pupils with SEND?
The teacher will have the highest possible expectations for your child and all pupils in the class. All teaching is based on building on what your child already knows, can do and can understand. Your child’s teacher will put in place different ways of teaching so that your child is fully involved in learning in class. This may involve things like using more practical learning or providing different resources adapted for your child.
Your child’s teacher may put in place specific strategies (which may be suggested by the SENCo or staff from outside agencies) to enable your child to access learning.
Your child’s teacher will carefully monitor progress.
Click here to find more information about our school curriculum.
For children with specific social, emotional or mental health difficulties we have access to Educational Psychology Service (EPS), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and other agencies.
How are the adults in our school helped to work with children with SEND?
The school has a school improvement plan that includes identified training needs for staff to improve the teaching and learning of children including those with SEND. This may include whole school training on SEND issues led by the SENCo or outside agencies or to support identified groups of learners in school, such as autism, dyslexia, etc, to ensure consistency.
The SENCo and class teachers work closely with specialists from external support services who may provide advice or direct support as appropriate.
How will we help your child make successful transition into our school, between classes or phases or on to secondary education?
It is important that all children get the best possible start at school. Members of the EYFS team will gather information about all of the children either by consultation with staff or visiting children in their settings before they join our Reception. Parents/ Carers and their child are then also invited to a 'Meet the Teacher' meeting before the start of the academic year to discuss any concerns/ information regarding their child.
All children have an opportunity to meet their new teacher in July and receive a Transition Booklet with information about their new class to support transition between classes.
Where children may require further additional transition support programmes are discussed with parents and implemented to support a successful move into their next class or phase.
We liaise closely with receiving and feeder schools to ensure a smooth and successful transitions for all pupils.
Where can I find out about other services that might be available to support my child and our family
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. The Hertfordshire Local Offer website has information about the services that are available.
Click here for the Hertfordshire Local offer
The Parent Partnership Service aims to help parents, schools and other professionals listen to each other, work closely together and make sure that all children and young people get the most out of their time at school. They offer local confidential helplines if you would like to talk about your child's special educational needs.
Click here for the Parent Partnership website
What is Delivering Special Provision Locally (DSPL)?
DSPL is a Hertfordshire-wide partnership approach where parents, staff in early years settings and schools, further education colleges, local authority officers and representatives from other agencies, work together as part of an Area Group, reviewing and developing the range of provision and support services available to their local community that :
- Meets the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), aged 0-25, as close to home as possible.
- Improves outcomes for wellbeing and attainment
- Widens choice for children and parents/carers
- Removes barriers to learning
- Uses resources more effectively
Please click http://dsplarea9.org.uk/ to reach the DSPL 9 website
Look here to see our School SEND Offer in more detail.
Who can I speak to if I have any concerns?
Contact the school office by;telephone 01923 265607
email admin@divinesaviour.herts.sch.uk
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) |
Mrs S O'Hara |
Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Mrs H Wilson |
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Miss K McKinstry |
Mental Health Team |
Mrs S O'Hara and Mrs N Leach |
Pupil Premium Lead |
Mrs H Wilson |
Governor Lead for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Safeguarding |
Mrs T Sheridan |