How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
We are dedicated to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any school can meet the needs appropriately.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by the Durham County Council.
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement) of Special Educational Needs follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have the right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
We recognise that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.
How we support children:
- Early Years staff visit all children in their nursery setting prior to induction visits.
- New starters are invited into school to meet Reception staff in July.
- Entry is staggered into Reception over the first three weeks.
How we support children/young people with SEN moving between classes in our school
As Newton Hall Infants’ is a small school, children benefit from getting to know all of the staff. This enables a good rapport between children and staff and also helps staff obtain a very close understanding of the needs of our children. Visits to the new classroom are built in to the daily routine well in advance to the enable the child to build relationships with the staff and familiarise themselves with the environment.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
We arrange extra support and visits for pupils with SEN, in liaison with their chosen junior school. We will also arrange meetings with the junior school SENCO and staff and families to ensure a smooth transition.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
