North Town Primary School Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy Signed: ……………………………………………………….Head teacher Signed: ………………………………………………………Chair of Governors

Date:

June 2016

Reviewed in:

June 2017

Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy

Table Of Contents 1.

Policy Name............................................................................................................... 3

2.

Policy Statement ........................................................................................................ 3

3.

Aims .......................................................................................................................... 3

4.

Definitions .................................................................................................................. 4

5.

Policy Principles ......................................................................................................... 5

6.

Related Policies & Procedures .................................................................................... 8

7.

Further Reading ......................................................................................................... 8

North Town Primary School

Last Update: June 2016

Review Due: June 2017 Page 2 of 11

Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy

1. Policy Name Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy

2. Policy Statement This policy was created by Becca Hampshire (SENDCO) in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team, the SEND governor, the teaching and the support staff. The views of parents and pupils with SEND were considered when writing this Policy. This policy complies with the statutory requirement laid out in the SEND Code of Practice 0 – 25, June 2014 and has been written with reference to the following guidance and documents:       

Equality Act 2010: advice for schools DfE Feb 2013 SEND Code of Practice 0 – 25 June 2014 Statutory Guidance on Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions April 2014 The National Curriculum in England Key Stage 1 and 2 framework document Sep 2013 Safeguarding Policy Accessibility Plan Teachers Standards 2012

3. Aims 3.1

Our Values and Vision for SEND at North Town

North Town Primary School is an inclusive school where we are committed to ensuring that all our children learn successfully. Our vision sets out to ensure that the curriculum is specifically tailored to meet the needs of our children including those with SEND through high quality learning experiences which enable them to reach their full potential. The needs of the children determine the emphasis of our curriculum. We aim to give children an individual curriculum that changes and adapts according to where the children are and what their needs are. We aim to raise the aspirations of and expectations of all pupils with SEND. In doing so we aim to achieve outstanding outcomes through ensuring the new SEND policy has a positive impact on all our pupils with SEND. Our objectives: 1.

Working to identify the needs of pupils with SEND as early as possible.

We gather information from parent carers, education, health and care services and early year’s settings, prior to the child’s entry into the school whenever possible. 2.

Monitoring the progress of all pupils.

We continuously monitor all pupils to ensure all children reach their full potential and to aid early identification of SEND. 3. Making appropriate provision to overcome all barriers to learning and ensure pupils with SEND have full access to the National Curriculum. This is co-ordinated by the SENDCO will be carefully monitored and regularly reviewed to ensure individual targets are being met and all pupils’ needs are catered for.

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy 4. Working with parent carers to gain a better understanding of each child and involve them in all stages of their child’s education. This includes sharing information on SEND procedures / practices and providing regular opportunities for discussion on their child’s progress and attainment 5. Working with outside agencies to support each child when more specialist advice could enhance and /or inform provision made by the school. Some outside agencies include Speech and Language Therapist, Educational Psychologist or Learning Support. 6.

Creating a school environment where pupils can contribute to their own learning.

This means encouraging and supporting independence and regularly seeking pupil views. Pupil participation and success is encouraged through wider opportunities within school such as residential visits, school plays and sports opportunities.

4. Definitions 4.1

Definition of SEND

The 2014 Code of Practice says that: A person has SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. At compulsory school age this means he or she has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others the same age, or, has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools. Taken from 2014 SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years. A child should not be regarded as having SEND (although these may impact on progress and attainment) if they have:       4.2

A disability (the code of practice outlines the “reasonable adjustment” duty for all settings and schools provided under the current Disability Equality Legislation – these alone do not constitute SEND). Attendance and punctuality. Health and welfare. English as an Additional Language (assessment in the first language will be used if there are concerns). Being in receipt of Pupil Premium Granting a looked after child. Being a child of a serviceman/woman. Definition of SEND Provision / SEND Support

Statutory guidance regarding support and provision for children with SEND has changed recently. From September 2014 new legislation came into force through The Children and Families Act and the new SEND Code of Practice [0-25]. More details about the reforms and the SEND Code of Practice can be found on the Department for Education’s website: www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/sen One significant change arising from the reforms is that Statements of Special Educational Needs, for those children with the most complex needs, have now been replaced with a new Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. You can view the SEND Local Offer website: https://somerset.local-offer.org/ North Town Primary School

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy The SEND Local Offer is a resource which is designed to support children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families. It describes the services and provision that are available both to those families in Somerset whose children experience some form of special educational need. The SEND Local Offer includes information about public services across education, health and social care, as well as those provided by the private, voluntary and community sectors. This is available on https://somerset.local-offer.org

5. Policy Principles 5.1

Our Approach to Identification

The SEND Code of Practice (2014) describes four broad categories of need. Children’s needs and requirements may fall into at least one of the four areas and many children will have inter-related needs. The impact of these combinations on the child's ability to function, learn and succeed will be taken into account. The areas of need are: 1.

Communication and interaction (autistic spectrum and language disorders),

2. Cognition and learning (dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia; global developmental delay), 3. Social, emotional and mental health difficulties (ADHD, ADD, attachment disorders, emotional difficulties, mental health difficulties), and 4.

Sensory and/or physical needs (Hearing impaired, vision impaired).

The purpose of identification is to work out what actions the school needs to take, not to fit a pupil into a category. At North Town we identify the needs of the pupils by considering the needs of the whole child which will include not just the special educational need of the child. Children with SEND are identified by one of three assessment routes all of which are part of the overall approach to monitoring progress of all pupils: 1. The progress of every child is monitored termly. Where children are identified as not making progress in spite of Quality First Teaching they are discussed with the SENDCO and a plan of action is agreed. 2. Class teachers are continually aware of children’s learning. If they observe that a child, as recommended by the 2014 Code of Practice, is making less than expected progress, given their age and individual circumstances, they will seek to identify a cause. This can be characterised by progress which:   

is significantly slower than that of their peers starting from the same baseline, fails to match or better the child’s previous rate of progress, and fails to close the attainment gap between the child and their peers.

3. Parents sometimes ask us to look more closely at their child’s learning. We take all parental requests seriously and investigate them all. Frequently, the concern can be addressed by Quality First Teaching and parental support. Otherwise, closer monitoring will take place and appropriateness of SEND support will be considered. The SENDCO can ask other professionals (educational psychologist, advisory teachers, speech and language, occupational therapist, physiotherapy etc) to undertake a range of assessment tests with children. They can use these assessments to add to and inform teachers’ own understanding and assessments of a child.

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy Although the school, with support from other professionals, can identify Special Educational Needs and disability and make provision to meet those needs, we do not offer diagnoses. Parents are advised to contact their GP if they think their child may have ASC or ADHD or another disability. 5.2

Our partnering approach to involving parents/carers

At North Town we believe that a close working relationship with parents is vital in order to ensure:   

Early and accurate identification and assessment of SEN leading to the correct intervention and provision. Continuing social and academic progress of children with SEN to enable personal success. Parental views are considered and valued.

We aim to have open and regular dialogue with parents/carers from the onset. We encourage parental involvement at all stages of their child’s education. This includes supporting them in terms of understanding SEN procedures and practices and providing feedback on progress through regular formal and informal meetings. We value the views, feedback and suggestions from parents/carers and seek to gain these through regular dialogue at both formal and informal meetings. 5.3

Record keeping, monitoring and data management

Where it is determined that a pupil does have SEN, parents will be informed of this before inclusion of the individual on the School SEN Register. The aim of formally identifying a pupil with SEN is to help school ensure that effective provision is put in place and so remove barriers to learning. The support provided consists of a four-part process indicated below:    

Assess Plan Do Review

This is an ongoing cycle to enable the provision to be refined and revised as the understanding of an individual grows. This cycle enables the identification of those interventions which are the most effective in supporting the pupil to achieve good progress and outcomes. 5.4

Referral for an Education, Health and Care Plan

If a pupil has lifelong or significant difficulties and it is likely that they will need access to specialist provision, they may undergo a Statutory Assessment Process which can be requested by a parent or the school. This will occur where the complexity of need or a lack of clarity around the needs of the pupil are such that a multi-agency approach to assessing that need, to planning provision and identifying resources, is required. Further information about EHC Plans can found via the SEND Local Offer:   

https://somerset.local-offer.org/, or by speaking to an Education, Health and Care Plan Coordinator on: 01823 355847 or by contacting the Somerset SENDIAS (previously known as Somerset Parent in Partnership Service): 01823 355578.

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy 5.5

Monitoring and evaluating the success of provision

Parents, staff and children are given an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of provision via review meetings. This takes place at least termly. We believe that in order for children to make consistent continuous progress in relation to SEN provision regular feedback from staff, parents and pupils during the academic year is necessary. Pupil progress is monitored on a termly basis in line with the SEN Code of Practice. Formal evaluations of the effectiveness of the school SEN provision and policy take place through a termly SEN report. The evaluation is carried out by the SENDCO in consultation with the Head teacher and SEN governor. These termly SEN reports culminate in an annual SEN Report. This is collated and published by the governing body on an annual basis in accordance with section 69 of the Children and Families Act 2014. 5.6

Working with external partners

When a pupils’ needs cannot be met by the school alone we receive further support from Somerset’s Support Services, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 5.7

Supporting Transition

Transition planning within school takes place at the end of every year for all vulnerable children and those with an SEN to prepare them for moving classes. When starting in reception transition planning takes place through a school entry meeting which involves the parents, the pre-school or nursery setting, the area SENDCO, other professionals involved, the reception teachers and SENDCO from school. This planning begins as soon as places have been offered in the summer term. To support transition to secondary school where appropriate annual reviews will take place during from the final term of Year 6 so that there is a clear plan for transition to Secondary school. These meetings will also involve all professionals involved with the child, the parents and usually the child as well. 5.8

Pupils with Medical Conditions

Please refer to the schools Medical Conditions Policy. 5.9

Safeguarding

Please refer to the schools Child Protection Policy and Behaviour Policy. 5.10 Staff Training We aim to keep all staff up to date with relevant training and developments in teaching practice in relation to the needs of pupils with SEND and in particular reference to our cohort of pupils. The SENDCO regularly attends local SENDCO meetings and conferences and alongside the CPD lead also facilitates internal and external training opportunities for all staff. The SENDCO alongside the Senior Leadership Team ensures that training opportunities are matched to the school improvement plan. 5.11 Complaints and Positive Feedback Please refer to the schools Parental Complaints Policy. If a parent or carer has any concerns or feedback regarding the care or welfare of their child they should first speak to their child’s class teacher. They may also ask to speak to the SENDCO or a member of the SLT if needed North Town Primary School

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy 5.12 SEN Information Report Please refer to the SEN information report.

6. Related Policies & Procedures     

Medical Conditions Policy Behaviour Policy Parental Complaints Policy Child Protection Policy Accessibility Plan

7. Further Reading 7.1

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Article 2 (without discrimination) The Convention applies to everyone: whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from. Article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children. Article 5 (parental guidance) Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents and carers to direct and guide their child as they grow up, so that they enjoy their rights properly. Article 6 (survival and development) Every child has the right to life. Governments must do all they can to ensure that children survive and develop to their full potential. Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously. Article 13 (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to say what they think and to seek and receive all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law. Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion) Every child has the right to think and believe what they want and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights of parents to give their children information about this right. Article 15 (freedom of association) Every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. Article 16 (right to privacy) Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect the child’s private, family and home life. Article 18 (parental responsibilities; state assistance) Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their child and should always consider what is best for the child. Governments must support parents by giving them the help they need, especially if the child’s parents work. Article 19 (protection from all forms of violence) Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. North Town Primary School

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy Article 23 (children with disability) A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and independence, and to play an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to provide support to disabled children. Article 24 (health and health services) Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment so that children can stay healthy. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this. Article 25 (review of treatment in care) If a child has been placed away from home (in care, hospital or prison, for example), they have the right to a regular check of their treatment and the way they are cared for. Article 26 (social security) Governments must provide extra money for the children of families in need. Article 27 (adequate standard of living) Every child has the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical, social and mental needs. Governments must help families who cannot afford to provide this. Article 28 (right to education) Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free. Secondary education must be available to every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this. Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. Article 30 (children of minorities) Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live. Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Article 32 (child labour) Governments must protect children from work that is dangerous or might harm their health or education. Article 33 (drug abuse) Governments must protect children from the use of illegal drugs. Article 34 (sexual exploitation) Governments must protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Article 36 (other forms of exploitation) Governments must protect children from all other forms of bad treatment. Article 37 (detention) No child shall be tortured or suffer other cruel treatment or punishment. A child should be arrested only as a last resource and for the shortest possible time. Children must not be put in a prison with adults and they must be able to keep in contact with their family. Article 38 (war and armed conflicts – see ‘Optional protocols’) Governments must do everything they can to protect and care for children affected by war. Governments must not allow children under the age of 15 to take part in war or join the armed forces. Article 40 (juvenile justice) A child accused or guilty of breaking the law must be treated with dignity and respect. They have the right to help from a lawyer and a fair trial that takes account of their age or situation. The child’s privacy must be respected at all times. North Town Primary School

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy Article 42 (knowledge of rights) Governments must make the Convention known to children and adults. The Convention has 54 articles in total. Articles 43–54 are about how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children get all their rights.

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Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy Authorities / Key dates: Policy custodian

Rebecca Hampshire

Reviewed by Policy Committee

June 2016

Ratified

June 2016

To be reviewed

June 2017

Modifications / Amendments history: Date

Modifications / Amendment

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