Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy “The purpose of education for all children is the same; the goals are the same. But help that individual children need in progressing towards them will be different. Whereas for some, the road they travel towards the goal is smooth and easy; for others it is fraught with obstacles.” (Warnock Report, 1.4) This policy applies to all sections of Walden School, including the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. It is based on the provisions of the new SEND Code of Practice (Children and Families Act 2014) which came into effect in September 2014, and has regard to the Equality Act 2010. General Objectives Walden School strives to be a unique community where the potential and talent of each individual is realised within a friendly and challenging environment based on Quaker principles. Walden School seeks to provide a high quality academic education for all pupils according to their needs, and to develop attitudes of mutual respect and responsibility. The School recognises that all pupils should make good progress through the curriculum. At Walden School the emphasis is on a whole school approach. All staff accept responsibility for providing all children with realistic learning goals in a broad-based, appropriate curriculum. We believe in nurturing and developing the educational, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual aspects by curriculum design and teaching approaches. The National Curriculum Council stated that participation in the National Curriculum by pupils with special educational needs is most likely to be achieved by encouraging good practice for all pupils and that the majority of pupils with learning difficulties simply require work to be suitably presented and differentiated to match their need. We will continue to work towards positive pupil involvement in decision-making related to their development. Most children have their own views on how they see their special needs which may give insight into the problems experienced by both pupils and teacher. From an early age, children with SEN should be actively involved at an appropriate level in discussions about their interventions or Pupil Passports/Study Plans, including target setting and review arrangements and have their views recorded. Children should be encouraged to share in the recording process and in monitoring and evaluating their own performance so that every achievement is given a sense of worth, developing confidence and self esteem. As all children are working towards setting achievable targets for themselves within the class then this can only be viewed as a natural extension.

Walden School has a nominated Gloria Mouser as the Governor with responsibility for SEND. The SENCO in the Senior school is Claire Platais. The SENCO in the Junior school is Gillian Bunting. We therefore intend . . .  To have regard to the 2014 SEND Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs and to follow the guidelines laid down there.  To work in partnership with the child, parent/carers, all staff, governors and outside agencies as appropriate.  That class teachers will use a range of differentiation strategies to provide effective learning opportunities for all pupils.  Where a child is identified as not making adequate progress, provision that is additional to, or different from, that provided as part of the school’s usual differentiated curriculum will be given.  To recognise the importance of early identification and if the child’s difficulties prove less responsive to the provision made by the school, then an early start can be made in considering the additional help the child may need.  That where a child is identified as having special educational needs an Individual Plan will be drawn up tailored to each individual child’s needs. Realistic and challenging targets will be set and the plans will be reviewed/evaluated regularly and involve the child, parent, teacher and all support services.  Enhance self-esteem by setting appropriate targets and by using the Records of Achievement (Junior School) and subject reports and monitoring grades (Senior School) to celebrate them.  To use a variety of complementary approaches to support the class teacher and child – differentiation, 1-1, group, whole class, within the class or withdrawal when appropriate.  To include the child within the class, wherever and whenever practicable.  Endeavour to use all resources appropriately and efficiently.  Make full use of all the support agencies that have been made available through the LA. Areas of Need Children will have needs and requirements which may fall into at least one of four areas, many children will have inter-related needs. The areas of need are:-

 communication and interaction  cognition and learning  behaviour, emotional and social development

 sensory and/or physical Identification and Assessment The law says that a child has special educational needs if he or she has:  a learning difficulty (i.e. a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age, or a disability which makes it difficult to use the educational facilities generally provided locally); and if that learning difficulty calls for  special educational provision (i.e. provision additional to, or different from, that made generally for children of the same age in local schools). Therefore the importance of early identification, assessment and provision for any child who may have special educational needs cannot be over emphasised. It is therefore the School’s aim to take early action. If a difficulty proves transient, the child will subsequently be able to learn and progress normally. If the child’s difficulties prove less responsive to provision made by the school, then an early start can be made in considering the additional provision that may be needed to support the child’s progress. Children joining the school with an identified SEND, or children who cause concern to teachers and parents will be identified and placed on the SEND register. The following criteria for identification may be used as appropriate   

Children who are working at levels significantly below those designated for their key stage. Children identified by outside agencies e.g. General Practitioner, Speech Therapist Children requiring greater attention than the majority of their peers in the classroom due to their learning which may be attributed to: 1. 2. 3. 4.

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Mild learning difficulties Moderate learning difficulties Specific learning difficulties Severe learning difficulties

Children with physical impairments Children with sensory impairments Children with speech and language difficulties Children with severe or multiple difficulties Children with behaviour difficulties

In identifying children who may have special educational needs we can measure children’s progress by referring to:

 their performance monitored by the teacher as part of ongoing observation and assessment  the outcomes from baseline assessment results  their progress against the objectives specified in the Curriculum 2014 and the school curriculum.

 their performance against the level descriptions within the Curriculum 2014 at the end of each key stage  Standardised screening or assessment tools. Admission Arrangements In line with the Equality Act 2010 the school will not discriminate against disabled children in their admission arrangements. The admission arrangements outlined in the general school policy operate for all children including those with SEN. Where a child entering the school has been identified as having SEN, the SENCO (Junior School) or the Study Centre (Senior School) will endeavour to ensure that colleagues have the appropriate information. A diagnostic assessment may be used as part of the admissions process to ensure that the child’s needs are met. The amount of support necessary and the cost will be agreed with parents.

English as an Additional Language The identification and assessment of the special educational needs of children whose first language is not English, requires particular care. Lack of competence in English must not be equated with learning difficulties as understood in the Code of Practice. We would look carefully at all aspects of a child’s performance in different subjects to establish whether the problems they have are due to limitations in their command of the language used in the classroom or arise from special educational needs. School Intervention: A Graduated Approach The triggers for intervention could be the teacher’s or others’ concern, underpinned by evidence, about a child who despite receiving differentiated learning opportunities:  makes little or no progress when teaching approaches are targeted particularly in a child’s identified areas of weakness  shows signs of difficulty in developing literacy or mathematical skills which result in poor attainment in some curriculum areas  presents persistent emotional or behavioural difficulties which are not ameliorated by the positive behaviour management techniques usually employed in the school  has sensory or physical problems, and continues to make little or no progress despite the provision of specialist equipment  Has communication and/or interaction difficulties, and continues to make little or no progress despite the provision of a differentiated curriculum. Following a meeting to review a child’s progress and in consultation with parents a decision may be taken to request help from external support services, both those provided by the LA and by outside agencies.

Support From Outside Agencies

The triggers for outside support could be that, despite receiving an individualised programme and/or concentrated support under School intervention, the child:    

continues to make little or no progress in specific areas over a long period continues working at a level substantially below that expected of children of a similar age continues to have difficulty in developing literacy and mathematical skills has emotional or behavioural difficulties which substantially and regularly interfere with the child’s own learning or that of the class group, despite having an individualised behaviour management programme  has sensory or physical needs, and requires specialist equipment or regular advice or visits by a specialist service  Has ongoing communication or interaction difficulties that impede the development of social relationships and cause substantial barriers to learning.

The above is a graduated response of action and intervention when a child is identified as having special educational needs, but must not be regarded as steps on the way to statutory assessment, as some children will require less rather than more help if the interventions work successfully. The interventions are a means of matching special educational provision to the child’s needs, and are therefore part of the continuous and systematic cycle of planning, action and review within our school to enable all children to learn and progress. Advice and support may be requested from the Educational Psychology Service and a Consultation Request will be made. Following consultation advice would be taken as to future and further action or it may be deemed appropriate to request a statutory assessment. Education Health Care Plan A child will be brought to the LA’s attention as possibly requiring an assessment through: a request for an assessment by the school  a request for an assessment by the parent or  A referral by another agency e.g. health authority, social services. At Walden School if, after we have taken action to meet the learning difficulties of a child, the child’s needs remain so substantial that they cannot be met effectively within the resources normally available to the school or setting then we would make a request to the LA for an assessment. When a child is brought to the attention of the LA by a request for an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) Assessment, the LA must decide within six weeks whether to carry out such an assessment. In considering whether an EHCP assessment is necessary, the LA will pay particular attention to:  evidence that the school has responded appropriately to the requirements of the National Curriculum, especially the section entitled “Inclusion: Providing effective learning opportunities for all children”  evidence provided by the child’s school, parents and other professionals where they have been involved with the child, as to the nature, extent and cause of the child’s learning difficulties  evidence of action already taken by the child’s school to meet and overcome these difficulties

 evidence of the rate and style of the child’s progress  Evidence that where some progress has been made, it has only been as the result of much additional effort and instruction at a sustained level not unusually commensurate with provision through Action Plus. “The Local Authority must decide whether or not to proceed with an EHC needs assessment, and must inform the child’s parent or the young person of their decision within a maximum of six weeks from receiving a request for an EHC needs assessment (or having otherwise become responsible). The Local Authority must give its reasons for this decision where it decides not to proceed. The local authority must also notify the other parties listed in section 9.13 above of its decision.” SEND Code of Practice 2014 When an EHC plan is made teachers will monitor and informally review progress during the course of the year using both the normal curriculum and pastoral monitoring arrangements for all pupils as well as writing the Pupil Passport as appropriate. All Education Health Care Plans must be reviewed at least annually, but if a child’s special educational needs change, a review is held as soon as possible to ensure that the provision specified in the plan is still appropriate. In the Junior School: Pupil Passport A Pupil Passport should be used to plan the interventions for individual pupils made through: A graduated approach to meeting the needs of the individual child  Early Years Intervention  School Action and support from outside agencies  and for pupils with EHCP It is the structured planning documentation of the differentiated steps and teaching requirements needed to help the student achieve identified targets. A Pupil Passport should focus on up to three or four key individual targets and should include information about:      

the short term targets set for or by the pupil the teaching strategies to be used the provision to be put in place when the plan is to be reviewed success and/or exit criteria Outcomes (to be recorded when the Passport is reviewed)

Group Education Plan When pupils in the same group, class or subject lesson have common targets and hence, common strategies a group learning plan can be drawn up rather than producing Passports for each child.

Monitoring and Reviewing Pupil Passports The success of all Pupil Passports will be evaluated three times a year (Sept/Oct, Jan/Feb, April/May). Graduated Response Interventions as described at School Action and School Action Plus will encompass an array of strategies and embody the following principles:  provision for a child with special educational needs should match the nature of their needs  There should be regular recording of a child’s special educational needs, the action taken and the outcomes. Record Keeping and Assessment The records kept in school are appropriate for all children, as are the National Curriculum levelling folders to compare. It is important that records for all children are accurate, yet as positive as possible. This is particularly important for children with special needs. The following tests, if appropriate, will be used and recorded in the individual child’s SEND file for any child who is School Action or School Action Plus. These help with the setting up of Pupil passports and aid outside agencies as well as school in the monitoring of progress. All tests/assessments that are done for all our children in school (SAT, NFER, class teacher etc):      

NFER Reading Test NFER Maths Test 100 key words – reading/spelling Handwriting KS1 HFW British Picture Vocabulary Scale

KS1 and 2 SATs – All EHCP children and School Action Plus will be given ‘readers’ for their Science and Maths assessments where necessary extra time in all 3 subjects and all will be done to assist School Action children in respect of need and in line with NAA “Assessment and Reporting Arrangements”. The Role of the Support Team The agreed role of the special needs team is to support the work of class teachers by offering specific and general support to children who are experiencing learning difficulties in either the long or short term. The SEN nominated Governor, meets regularly with the SENCO to discuss SEN issues. The team will have regard to the Code of Practice. We will work closely with, and support class teachers in, the early recognition, assessment and testing of children. We will work closely with parents meeting as and when necessary. We will coordinate the writing of Pupil Passports and all contributions of those involved. We will regularly test and set new targets (long and short term) when appropriate and work with the named children within the class, a group or 1-1 as appropriate. We will plan reviews at least three times a year with the parents, child and class teacher.

The objectives are: 1. 2.

To help children to cope with broad-based curriculum and to make progress through the Primary Curriculum 2014 To effectively manage transition between key stages

Planning the Curriculum It is vital that children with special needs do not have a narrow curriculum, particularly with the demands of the National Curriculum. Effective management, school ethos and the learning environment, curricular, pastoral and behaviour management arrangements can help prevent some special educational needs arising, and minimise others. Differentiation of learning activities within the curriculum framework will help us meet the learning needs of all children. The National Curriculum Inclusion Statement emphasises the importance of providing effective learning opportunities for all pupils and offers three key principles for inclusion:  setting suitable learning challenges  responding to pupils’ diverse needs  overcoming potential barriers to learning and assessment for individuals and groups of pupils The “small steps” Approach It is very important to realise that many children have complex, inter-connected needs and they should not be categorised or labelled. Walden School will endeavour to build on what a child already knows in a ‘small steps’ approach and will use the Record of Achievement to celebrate these. It is more valuable to think in terms of individual differences and achievements rather than deficits from within children. We must be aware that children’s needs and difficulties can be linked to a mismatch between task demands, levels of concentration and the child’s ability/disability. The main aim is always to give children access to all aspects of the curriculum, with priorities which are Real Relevant Realistic

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relating to the child’s needs so that the child sees the purpose of the activity so that the child can achieve success

This means – differentiation of work by:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Using a multi-level approach in the classroom with tasks matched to the individual needs of the children. Breaking difficult tasks down into more manageable parts, across the curriculum. More attention to the child’s point of entry. More variety between practical and written tasks. Making use of computers, concept keyboards and other technologies. Building on a child’s strengths and interests, rather than dwelling on his weaknesses. Modifying of worksheets and activities when necessary. Being aware of the differing concentration levels of children within the class. Praising and enhancing self-esteem. The setting of achievable targets. Effective use of additional staff, parents and other children.

Classroom Organisation It is important to ensure that this facilitates learning for all children, but particularly for those with special educational needs. This can be achieved by:1.

Flexible grouping arrangements, to allow children variety and the stimulus of working with different children. Children with learning difficulties benefit from mixing with their peers and must be encouraged to do so.

2.

Peer support and in some cases peer group tutoring can be valuable, although its implications need to be carefully considered.

3.

Parents, grandparents and other adults can provide invaluable help in the classroom with children with learning difficulties, helping to develop oracy, working with the computer, and developing individual skills. All parents of children are welcomed in school. Some of our parents have had unpleasant experiences of school themselves, and may need extra encouragement to come in.

4.

Children with special needs should be encouraged to be active not passive learners, and given as much responsibility as possible for their own learning and classroom environment. It may mean that the class teacher needs to re-assess the physical class room organisation depending on size and make up of the class.

In the Senior School: Role of the Study Centre Team The responsibility of the Study Centre Team is to oversee Learning Support and SEND provision including: 

Day to day operation of the school SEND policy

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Liaison with staff and parents as necessary

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Working with the Junior School SENCO and the SENCO’s of other feeder schools to ensure a smooth transition to the Senior School.

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Advising class teachers on differentiation issues, approaches and materials

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Managing the provision for those on the Study Centre register, including gathering and collating of all relevant information

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Ensuring that accurate records are maintained

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Arranging and attending consultations and reviews with parents, teachers and all other relevant personnel when appropriate

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Liaising with outside agencies including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and local authority specialist teachers

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Organising training for specialist teachers and LSA’s

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Assessment of individual children with SEND

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Ensuring that plans are written and reviewed with input from teachers and to monitor the implementation of them in the classroom as appropriate

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Contributing to the review of the Learning Support and SEND Policy annually

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Maintaining the school’s SEND Register

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Working to ensure smooth transition across key stages and settings

Assessment A member of the Study Centre management team will discuss concerns with the parents and/or teachers and the types of assessment information will be decided. Identification of strengths and needs of the child may include gathering information from:  Teacher assessments  Observations including child’s attitude, concentration, motivation, behaviour  Standardised tests including MiDYIS and YeLLIS  Diagnostic tests  External agency assessments e.g. speech and language, educational psychologist, medical reports A member (or members) of the Study Centre team and teachers will discuss the strategies currently being used in the classroom e.g. differentiation, groupings. Provision Early identification of a particular need means the response can be immediate, minimising further and future additional support. The aim is always to maintain self-esteem and build confidence, as well as to increase independent access to the curriculum. All decisions regarding recording a child’s needs and the intervention envisaged will be made in consultation with the parents, appropriate outside agencies, teachers, Study Centre management team, LSAs and, when appropriate, the pupil. An Individual Support Plan records targets for those who have special educational needs as identified on the SEN register

Walden Senior School is able to offer intervention programmes in the following areas:     

1:1 support in literacy or numeracy, or other subjects if deemed necessary and feasible, available from the team of specialist teachers. In class-support to assist children in accessing the curriculum Speech and Language – access to independent specialists to work with children who have statemented speech and language difficulties. Touch Typing – a touch typing and literacy programme (TTRS) Guidance in using assistive technology.

Some children have a statement of SEN or EHCP and have the majority or all of their support funded directly by their local authority. The school will endeavour to provide an accessible physical environment, appropriate additional support and training for staff to enable a child with a statement of SEN and/or a recognised disability to access the curriculum and school life.

Monitoring and Review Support Plans are working documents ‘and record that which is additional to or different from the differentiated curriculum plan which is in place as part of provision for all children,’ (SEN Code of Practice, 2014). The Study Centre management team and subject teachers monitor the implementation of Study Plans. This will include feedback from subject teachers, LSA, or specialist teacher. SPs are formally reviewed during the academic year. Parent Consultation evenings offer opportunities to review the children’s progress in curriculum subjects. Parents are invited to discuss support programmes with Study centre staff at least annually. Children with statements/EHCPs have at least 2 reviews a year, one being an Annual Review. Parents, Form tutor/Head of Year, a member of the Study Centre management team, specialist teacher, representatives of appropriate outside agencies, LSAs and the pupil will attend review meetings. The views of those unable to attend will be sought and recorded. Evaluating Success a) individual child’s progress:    

Review meetings Reports from external agencies Study Centre screening tests and annual progress testing Test results and curriculum based assessments and observations

b) of the Learning Support Policy:      

Evaluation with Study Centre team and SMT School self-review Discussion and feedback from all staff, teachers, LSAs, and parents School inspection Progress made by pupils Pupil and parental satisfaction

Roles and Responsibilities The Board of Governors has important statutory duties towards pupils with Special Needs as outlined below:The SEND Register The school maintains a SEND register, which contains details of all children, identified as having special needs, requiring individual or group interventions or a pupil passport. This is confidential and the register is continually being revised and updated. Access and Integration Our aim is for all children to have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting their educational, emotional, social and spiritual needs. All will have access to all National Curriculum subjects at the appropriate stage and programme of study. All children within Walden School are encouraged to be involved in the wider aspects of school life where individual skills and prowess can boost self-esteem and gain respect from peers. Support Sources We do not have any special unit attached to our school, but have access to and benefit from a wide range of support services through Essex County Council together with other agencies with whom we aim to work in partnership.           

Educational Psychology Service Social Services School nurses Speech therapists Art Therapist Secondary school liaison Local nurseries CAMHS Church Police service SENDCO Cluster group

Building adaptations/special facilities Walden Junior School is built on two levels and has a lift in the main building to provide easy access for wheelchair users. The school has a wide disabled toilet for pupil/adult use. The Senior School is an older building and most ground floor classrooms are accessible by wheelchair. Reasonable alterations or adjustments will be made to ensure accessibility in case of need The Junior School has a newly developed library/resource room, meetings room and SENCO office where group work or 1:1, counselling, parental interviews/consultations can take place and which the support services can use. In the Senior School there are several rooms dedicated for 1:1, a fully equipped School Library and group work facilities in The Study Centre Governor/Staff Training We will continue to develop staff/governors expertise with INSET or training as appropriate. Partnership with other agencies and local authorities The school seeks and acts on advice gained from agencies such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, child and family consultation service, social services, local authority specialist teachers and educational psychologists. There is an established link between the Senior and the Junior School and regular liaison especially regarding Year 6 children. Other Kitchen staff are informed of special dietary needs and the specific needs of relevant children The Use of Information Communication Technology ICT is a very useful tool for all children, but can be an invaluable resource for a child with learning difficulties. Once again, peer group or independent use is encouraged. Word processors and specific programmes are used in all areas of school. Touch Type Read Spell is used daily with a group pupils requiring additional support in spelling, reading or writing. Evaluation of Success Evaluation of the success of this policy requires evidence of: 1. Careful monitoring of targets achieved against those set in the Pupil Passport/Study Plan. 2. Early identification of SEN 3. Improvement in standards of achievement by individual children as determined by formal and informal assessment within curriculum areas

4. Staff/governor development with In-Service training. 5. Further developing links with other schools and agencies and within the community. 6. Pupil and parental satisfaction

This policy will be ratified by the Governing Board on Tuesday 15th March 2016 and will be reviewed in March 2017.

Signed by the Head: …………………………….……… Clerk of Governors: ………………………….…………..