Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability Information

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) FAQs

1. What does SEND mean?

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It refers to children who require extra support to access the curriculum and school life due to learning difficulties, physical disabilities, emotional or behavioral challenges, or sensory impairments.

2. How does the school identify if a child has SEND?

We use a combination of methods to identify whether a child has SEND, including:

• Teacher observations and assessments
• Progress tracking and comparison with age-related expectations
• Parent concerns and feedback
• External assessments or reports from specialists, such as educational psychologists or health professionals

If a concern is raised, the school works with parents and professionals to carry out assessments and determine the best course of action.

3. What support is available for children with SEND?

Support is tailored to the individual needs of the child. This may include:

• Adapted teaching in the classroom
• Access to in class support 
• Graduated Approach forms and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) - see the above information for more details.
• Specialist resources or equipment
• Interventions such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling

4. What is a Graduated Approach Form and an Individual Learning Plan (ILP)?

A Graduated Approach Form assesses a child's needs and outlines the support a child should receive as a result. This is reviewed termly through pupil progress meetings, 

An individual Learning Plan (ILP) is a document that outlines the specific goals, support strategies, and progress for a child with SEND. It is reviewed regularly with input from parents, teachers, and the child, ensuring that the support provided is meeting the child’s needs.

5. How can parents be involved in the SEND process?

We believe in strong collaboration between school and parents. Parents are encouraged to:

• Attend regular meetings to discuss their child’s progress
• Share any concerns or insights about their child’s learning at home
• Work with the school to implement agreed strategies at home
• Attend our monthly SEND surgery to speak with the SENDCo

6. How does the school decide if a child needs an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)?

An EHCP is a legal document for children who need more intensive support than what is available through normal SEN provisions. If a child’s needs are complex and long-term, and they are not making progress despite support, we may recommend requesting an EHCP assessment. This involves a thorough review by external professionals, parents, and the school to determine if extra funding and resources are required.

7. What is the role of the SENDCo?

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) is responsible for overseeing the SEND provision in the school. This includes:

• Coordinating support for children with SEND
• Liaising with parents and external agencies
• Ensuring staff are trained and equipped to meet the needs of SEND students
• Monitoring the progress of children with SEND

8. Can my child with SEND access extra-curricular activities and school trips?

Absolutely! We are committed to inclusion and ensuring that all children can participate in extracurricular activities and school trips. Where necessary, we will make reasonable adjustments or provide additional support to make sure your child can engage fully.

9. What external agencies does the school work with for SEND support?

We work with a variety of external professionals and agencies to provide the best support for children with SEND, including:

• Educational psychologists
• Speech and language therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Local authority SEND teams

10. What should I do if I think my child has SEND?

If you have concerns that your child may have SEND, please contact your child’s teacher or the school’s SENDCo. We will work with you to assess your child’s needs and discuss possible support strategies.

11. How can I contact the school’s SENDCo?

You can contact our SENDCo, Rebecca Burton, by emailing sendco@bolneyprimary.school or calling the school office at 01444 881352. We also encourage you to attend our monthly SEND surgery which are held every second Tuesday 9am-10am for a more informal discussion.