SEND
SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Welcome to the SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) and Inclusion area.
Our friendly school is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all pupils can thrive. We hope that you find this information useful in further explaining our approach to inclusion and how we identify and support SEND throughout the school.
SEND Team:
SENCo: Mrs. Michelle Keeping
Headteacher: Mrs. Carol Bond
At Elm Park Primary we value and understand the importance of ensuring that every child is able to access their learning and fulfil their potential whatever their needs or abilities. We believe in allowing the ‘whole child’ to grow and this is achieved through a broad and balanced curriculum within a close and caring school community. Our SEND practice and policy is compliant with the Code of Practice (2015) and all statutory documents are published here on the website and reviewed annually with key stakeholders.
Class teachers are responsible for the progress and development of all pupils within their class, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. The main role of the SEND team is to support class teachers and to ensure that there are high standards of practice and provision for all pupils with SEND. We aim to identify children’s learning and social and emotional difficulties at an early stage and we endeavour to work with parents to help support each child.
Once a child is identified as having difficulties in accessing learning or in experiencing barriers due to their social, emotional or mental health needs the school will support them through a variety of strategies. The child may then be recognised as receiving SEN Support and may be placed on our SEND register. For some children with more complex needs, school may suggest that an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is requested through the Local Authority in order to secure wider recognition of their needs and access further support.
We have included some useful links below to help you further develop your understanding of SEND and Inclusion at Elm Park Primary.
Click here to see the South Gloucestershire Council Local Offer – Education Page
Signposting links for further advice
Support in and around South Gloucestershire:
southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/care-and-support-children-families/local-offer– Local Authority information on support available and procedures
supportiveparents.org.uk – an independent organisation offering a free, confidential and impartial service to any parent who has a concern about their child’s education. Their aim is to provide you with all the information you need to understand the SEN process and improve your child’s education experience
Information & Support Line is 0117 989 7725. It is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 2pm during term time, and an answer phone at all other times
mindyou.org.uk – South Gloucestershire’s mental health and emotional wellbeing hub for young people. Advice and further signposting on a range of issues e.g. anger, anxiety, ADHD, body image, dyslexia, sleep, grief
sglospc.org.uk– South Glos Parents and Carers is a support group for parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities. They offer informal meetings and training
jigsawthornbury.org.uk Tel: 01454 416381 SEN & sensory lending library. Family support
bournefamilyproject.org Tel: 0117 9478441 Play therapy, counselling and parent support (contribution required)
help-counselling.org.ukTel: 0117 950 2511 For 9-25 year olds (contribution required)
otrbristol.org.uk Support for young people 11years+
southernbrooks.org.ukTel: 01454 868570 Family support and courses
southernbrooks.org.uk/parenting-guides-and-resourcesParenting information and resources
resoundbristol.co.uk/familyparenting courses and workshops to offer strategies in managing behaviour as well as the practical support of parent buddies. Courses include an SEN parenting course (no diagnosis necessary)
southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/recommended-booklist/reading-well-shelf-life– a range of books to help deal with a range of issues, available in the libraries
Nationwide Support