SEND
REACH School is an inclusive alternative provision school which welcomes pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Below is information about the SEND provision offered at REACH School through our referral process.
SEND INFORMATION
What is SEND and SEND support?
The Code of Practice 2015 states that:
‘A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.’
Many children will have special educational needs of some kind during their education. Schools and other organisations can help most children overcome the barriers their difficulties present quickly and easily. A few children will need extra help for some or all of their time in school.
Who do I contact if I have concerns that my child has a Special Educational Need or Disability or Medical Needs?
If parents/carers have concerns about the progress or attainment of their child they should in the first instance make an appointment to speak to their child’s personal tutor to discuss their concerns, who will then liaise with our Special Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO) appropriate.
Please feel free to contact the SENDCO, if you feel that your child may have additional needs or medical needs that the school need to be aware of. REACH school will assist you and your child and ensure any additional needs are met in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
How do we identify students with SEND?
How does the school know if children need extra help?
The emphasis at REACH School is on the early identification of learning difficulties and educational needs, thus permitting prompt assessment and appropriate provision.
The SENDCo considers:
- Pre-transfer information from previous schools, including about students with statements/EHCPs
- Concerns expressed by subject teachers and/or Behaviour and Learning Practitioners
- Parental concerns
- Monitoring of student progress and engagement
- Cognitive Ability Tests (spelling and reading) on entry and potential for Access Arrangements identified as part of the exams process.
The progress of all students is monitored regularly by subject teachers and the senior leadership team by data analysis and pupil progress meetings, so that when a pupil is not making expected progress in a particular area of learning the school can quickly identify the need for additional support. When deciding whether to make special educational provision for a young person, a meeting will be arranged between the SENDCO and the subject/class teachers to consider all the information gathered from within the school.
What provision is available for students with SEND?
What are the different types of support available at our school?
Teachers and our Pastoral Team have the highest possible expectations for your child and all young people in their group. The quality of teaching and learning is reviewed regularly to ensure the highest possible standards are achieved. The school has a training plan for all staff to improve the teaching and learning of young people, including those with SEND. This includes whole school training on SEND issues, Mental Health and Trauma Informed and Attachment Awareness (TIAAS).
REACH aims to teach all students together in smaller groups where possible, with the subject teacher differentiating and supporting the student. Group sizes are no bigger than 8 students in a class. Additional adults are often present in the teaching rooms to support the learning and/ or additional needs. At times it may be necessary for a student with SEND to assess intervention; either as part of a group or 1:1 with targeted interventions. These are strategies which may be suggested by the SENDCO or other professionals working with your child to support learning and engagement.
For some students the school uses outside support agency resources and staff with parental agreement. REACH provides a range of support and interventions which may be used when we identify a need for additional support. We will regularly monitor the progress of all students receiving additional support to ensure that the provision we have put in place is having the impact we are expecting.
How will my child’s progress be monitored?
How will my child’s progress be monitored?
Student progress is continually monitored by subject teachers, Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral, as well as the SENDCo. Progress is reviewed at regular intervals throughout the academic year and weekly teaching and learning meetings.
If your child is requires SEND support or has an EHC Plan, you will receive regular formal reports on their progress as well as having the opportunity to speak to subject teachers. The SENDCO will also monitor that the young person is making good progress in any targeted work while also monitoring the effectiveness of the provision or interventions.
The progress of young person with an EHC Plan is formally reviewed at an annual review.
What training does staff receive for students with SEND?
What training have the staff had supporting children with SEND had?
The school has a development plan, identifying training needs for all staff to improve teaching and learning of all students including those with SEND. This may include whole staff training on SEND issues or to support identified groups of learners in school, such as ASD or dyslexia. Whole staff training will be to disseminate knowledge, strategies and experience and to ensure consistency of the schools' approach for children with an SEND. Individual teachers and support staff attend training courses run by outside agencies that are relevant to the needs of specific students in School. We regularly invest time and money in training our staff.
How do I make a complaint about a SEND provision?
What should I do if I have a complaint regarding my child’s SEND?
We take our responsibilities seriously and work hard to ensure that each child’s special education needs and disabilities are met. However, should a parent have a complaint regarding this, then the school’s complaints procedure should be used, which can be found on the school website.
Named school contacts for SEND:
SENDCO: SENDCO@reachschool.co.uk
SEND Governor: Tim Boyes
Additional Information
SENDIASS
The Birmingham Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) offers impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
SENDIASS is also responsible for helping parents, carers and young people to be kept informed and consulted with on any local SEND policy and practice.
SEND Code of Practice
Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years
Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities
SEND information report
This SEND Information Report outlines information regarding ways in which we provide support for all our learners in order for them to learn and grow intellectually, emotionally and socially in a nurturing and restorative environment.
SEND Policy
Please follow the link to see our SEND Policy
Birmingham local offer
The Birmingham Local Offer website includes information about the wide range of services that are available to support all areas of a child’s life (0-25 years) especially those with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). This includes support with education, physical and mental health, social care, leisure activities and moving towards independence and adulthood. Visit the Birmingham Local Offer Website here:
Contact
If you have any queries in regards to SEND, please get in touch.
SENDCO - Samara Holme
Email: SENDCO@reachschool.co.uk