Special Educational Needs and Inclusion at Staplehurst School

Our Vision for Inclusion 

At Staplehurst School, we believe that an exceptional school is an inclusive school. We have the highest aspirations for every child and are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), thrive both academically and personally.
Our aim is for every child to:
· Achieve their aspirational academic goals

· Feel safe, happy, and healthy

· Develop the skills and confidence to lead successful lives and make a positive contribution to society.

Inclusion is at the heart of our classrooms. We ensure that barriers to learning are removed so that all children can access our knowledge-rich curriculum. Where additional support is required, we provide carefully planned interventions and personalised strategies, while ensuring that children remain an active part of their class and school community.

We value partnership with parents and carers and believe that working together is the best way to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development.

What do we mean by Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

A child may have SEN if they have greater difficulty in learning than most children of the same age, or if they have a disability which makes it harder for them to access school life. This may include:

· Learning difficulties – finding it harder to acquire basic skills in school.

· Specific learning difficulties – such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia.

· Communication and interaction needs – including speech, language and social communication difficulties.

· Social, emotional and mental health needs – such as difficulty managing emotions or behaviour.

· Sensory or physical needs – including hearing, visual or mobility difficulties.

· Medical conditions – which may affect learning or require treatment during school hours.

Every child learns differently. At Staplehurst School, teachers adapt their lessons to meet individual needs. Some children may need short-term additional support, while others may require longer-term strategies or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

SEN at Staplehurst School

We are committed to:

· Raising standards of attainment for all children with SEN through a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum.

· Ensuring that Quality First Teaching is the foundation of our support, with adaptations and scaffolding to meet different learning needs.

· Providing targeted support when required, ensuring that learning is transferred into everyday classwork.

· Working in close partnership with parents, carers, and external professionals to plan and review support.

· Creating a school culture where all staff are responsible for supporting pupils with SEN.

We use the Mainstream Core Standards (Kent’s expectations for SEN support in schools) to guide our provision. ·

https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/service-specific-policies/education-policies/send-strategies-and-policies/send-mainstream-core-standards ·

https://www.kelsi.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/117257/Special-educational-needs-mainstream-core-standards-guide-for-parents.pdf

Our Graduated Approach to SEN Support

 At Staplehurst School, we follow the national Graduated Approach to supporting children with SEN. This ensures that support is carefully planned, reviewed and adapted.

· Assess – We identify barriers to learning through teacher observations, assessments and discussions with parents and pupils.

· Plan – The class teacher and SENCO agree strategies and interventions, setting clear outcomes and success measures. Parents and pupils are involved in this process.

· Do – Support is put into action through quality first teaching, targeted interventions or personalised strategies.

· Review – Progress is regularly reviewed with pupils, parents and staff, and support is adapted where necessary.

This cycle runs continuously so that provision remains responsive to each child’s needs.

Please click here to read our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information Report.

Statutory Information · 

• SEND Policy – our school’s policy on supporting children with SEND.
• SEN Information Report – explains how support for children with SEN is identified, implemented and reviewed at Staplehurst School.
• Kent Local Offer – services and support available across Kent for children and young people with SEND.
• Kent Inclusion Statement – a county-wide vision for inclusive practice.
• Kent SEND Strategy – Kent’s strategic plan for supporting children and young people with SEND.
• SEND Code of Practice (DfE) – national guidance on SEN and inclusion.

Equality and Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, can participate fully in school life. Our site includes:

· Step-free access to all areas of the building.

· Designated disabled parking.

· Accessible toilets with adaptations for independence. Our Equality Policy and Accessibility Plan sets out how we meet the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Who to Contact

· Class teacher – first point of contact for any concerns.

· Mr Tate – SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

Tel: 01580 891765

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mr Tate, who is also part of the school leadership team, works closely with teachers, parents and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children with SEN.

Useful Links

National and Local Support
• Kent PACT – Parent carer forum in Kent: https://kentpactnew2022.co.uk/
• IASK Kent – Free impartial SEN advice: https://www.iask.org.uk/
• IPSEA – Independent SEND legal advice: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/
• Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/
• Kent Emotional Wellbeing Team: https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/kent-emotional-wellbeing-team
• Children’s Therapies – The Podhttps://www.nelft.nhs.uk/kent-emotional-wellbeing-team
Specific Needs
• Dyslexia – British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
• Autism – National Autistic Society: https://autism.org.uk/
• ADHD & Autism Pathways – Kent Health: Autism & ADHD services in Kent https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/adult-neurodevelopmental-service/adhd-information-and-support-services/
• Speech and Language Therapy – SaLT Support (Kent Community Health) https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/kent-family-hub/help-your-child-develop-and-learn/help-develop-your-childs-speech-and-language/child-speech-language-and-communication-resources
• Mental Health & Wellbeing – Young Minds: https://youngminds.co.uk/
• Parenting Support – Barnardo’s Cygnet Programme: https://barnardos-parenting.org.uk/
• Local Support – Space 2 Be Me: https://space2beme.org.uk/

 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I raise a concern about my child’s learning?

Start by talking to your child’s class teacher. If further support is needed, you can also contact the SENCO.

What happens if my child is identified as having SEN?

We will talk with you about your child’s needs, agree a plan of support and involve you in regular reviews of progress.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children whose needs require more support than a school can provide from its own resources. It sets out a child’s needs, outcomes and provision. We work with families and the Local Authority to request an EHCP if appropriate.

How does the school ensure pupils with SEN are included?

Children with SEN are fully included in school life, including trips, clubs and enrichment activities. We work closely with families to remove barriers and ensure equal opportunities.