LogoStokeswood Primary

Menu

 
View our safeguarding statement

At Stokes Wood the safeguarding, welfare, physical and emotional well-being of our children and their families are a priority. As such, any concerns which contradict this will be acted on immediately.

In this Section

Home Our School SEND

SEND

Our SENDCo is Mrs Sarah Woods. If you would like to contact her about your child regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities,please ring the school office 0116 2875305 or email office@stokeswood.leicester.sch.uk and Mrs Woods will ring you to make an appointment.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Stokes Wood Primary School is proud to be an inclusive school, valuing the individuality of all children.

We are committed to giving all our children every opportunity to achieve the highest of standards. We do this by taking account of pupils’ varied life experiences and needs. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and have high expectations of all our children. The achievements, attitudes and well-being of all our children matter.

This page shares the policies and practices that we have in place to ensure these aspirations become apparent.

Changes to SEND

The changes in the Children and Families Bill affect the way children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are supported in schools. The new approach began in September 2014 and places pupils at the centre of planning. The key principles of the new legislation are:

1.    Young people and their families should be involved in discussions about the support they need, so they can share their knowledge and feed back to the school on the young person’s progress.
2.    Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) have replaced statements of special educational needs. New assessments for additional educational needs have followed the EHC guidelines from September 2014.
3.    School Action and School Action Plus have ceased and have been replaced by a single school-based category for children who need extra specialist support.

Autism Awareness video

A copy of Stokes Wood’s SEND Report 2023-24 can be located below:

Policies

As a school we are mindful of and comply with the Local Authority (LA) Expectations of Schools, which outlines the key ways which pupils should be supported in class, along with expected equality duties shown in the school Single Equality Policy.

This section outlines a range of policies confirming the support we give identified pupils to address their additional needs. Different interventions and approaches are used to address specific areas and we would look carefully at your child’s individual needs when deciding how best to support your child and which of the interventions to use.

Click on the links below to view the relevant policy:

SEND-Policy-Aug-2024

Accessibility-Policy 2024

Behaviour-Policy-Sept-2024

Complaints-Procedure-2024

What should I do if I think my child may have Special Education Needs?
Talk to your child’s class teacher about any concerns you may have. The class teacher will discuss these with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo). Alternatively, you can arrange to meet with the SENDCo directly.
How will stokes wood primary school know if children need extra help?
Concerns can range from learning difficulties, language and communication difficulties, sensory impairment, medical problems to emotional, social and mental health issues.
•    Some children may be working below Age Related Expectation (ARE) in writing, reading and/or mathematics which would indicate extra support may be needed. Some children may have specific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia. Children may also have low scores on standardised tests e.g. reading/spelling age. It is important to remember that slow progress and low attainment does not necessarily mean that a child has special educational needs. However, it may be an indicator of a range of learning difficulties or disabilities. Equally it should not be assumed that attainment in line with age expected levels means that there is no learning difficulty or disability
•    Information passed from a child’s previous school may indicate that a child has a difficulty and support will need to be continued.
•    Reports received from doctors, educational psychologists, Special Needs Teaching Service, speech and language therapists may recommend specific support.
•    We always take into account information given by parents.
•    We listen to concerns expressed by the child.
After completing an SEND monitoring period, teachers may then discuss the child’s difficulties with parents and the SENDCo. Appropriate next steps for the child will be planned for and parents are actively encouraged to be involved in the decision making process.
 
What will happen if my child is identified with having special educational needs?
Once it has been agreed that a child has additional needs, you will be informed and they will be placed on the Special Educational Needs Register under the category of SEN Support. They may receive extra support or intervention if this is felt appropriate. Your child will receive 2 reviews and additional meetings (if required) throughout the year whilst they are on the SEND register. If they continue to make slow progress or have ongoing problems then the school may ask for advice from outside agencies.
A small number of children may go on to have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – these are for children that have significant or complex and ongoing needs. If a child has an EHCP then they will also have an additional annual review and the plan can stay with them up to the age of 25 if it is deemed necessary. These children will also receive a review in the 1st half of the Autumn term in Year 6 to discuss transition to an appropriate secondary school.
How will Stokes Wood Primary School support my child?
At Stokes Wood Primary School we are mindful of and comply with the LA Expectations of Schools, which outlines the key ways pupils should be supported in class. Our table of extra provision can be found in the Services and Support information.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my will child receive?
Different interventions and approaches are used to address specific areas and we look carefully at your child’s individual needs when deciding how best to support your child and which interventions to use.
How will the curriculum be matched to my children's needs?
Teachers are responsible and accountable for the progress and development of all pupils in their class. Lessons are differentiated to match each child’s needs. Teachers will make reasonable adjustments to the curriculum to meet individual need. At Stokes Woods Primary School we have a well-designed curriculum with strong teaching and learning.
How will both you and I know how my child's doing?
Teachers make on-going assessments for all children during lessons and over a series of lessons. This information informs planning. Children receiving interventions will have their progress tracked throughout the time they are receiving the support. For children on the SEND register, there will be three reviews over the year. This will give you a chance to meet with the class teacher and you are offered the opportunity to meet with the SENDCo during parents’ evenings. Your child’s progress will be discussed (including any interventions they have received). However, at any point during your child’s time at Stokes Wood Primary School, please feel free to ask your child’s class teacher how your child is doing. All children will receive a short record of your meeting in October and March with your child’s class teacher and an end of year report that will inform you of your child’s progress throughout the year.
How will Stokes Wood Primary School help me to support my child's learning?
Parents are always actively encouraged to support their child’s learning through informal discussions with staff, supporting children with reading at home and completion of any homework.
Advice is available at parent workshops and at drop-ins with the SENDCo and Lead Learning Behaviour Mentor and professionals such as the school nurse, educational psychologist and speech and language therapist.
What support will there be for my child's well-being?
We have an open door policy and both pupils and parents are able to speak to a member of staff at any time. If in the unlikely event there is no-one for a parent to speak to, a member of staff will get in touch as soon as they can. Mr Brown, Mrs Gadsby, Ela Sawicka and other members of the team will be pleased to support you and your child to ensure your child is happy in school and in the best position to fulfil his or her potential.
What specialist services and expertise are available or accessed at Stokes Wood Primary School?
There are a variety of services and expertise that we can access:
•    Educational Psychologist
•    Learning Communication and Interaction Support Service (also Early Years Special Needs Teaching Service)
•    Learning and Autism Support Team
•    Social, Emotional and Mental Health Support Team
•    Education Welfare Officer
•    Visual / Hearing Support
•    Speech and Language Therapy
•    Medical – referrals to paediatricians via the GP
•    School Nurse
•    Social Care and Safeguarding
•    Sure Start
•    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Solutions