Stanwix School
Value the individual, inspire, enjoy and excel
SEND Co-ordinator
Mrs A Shields
a.shields@stanwix.cumbria.sch.uk
The Local Offer was first introduced in the Green Paper (March 2011) as a local offer of all services available to support disabled children and children with SEND and their families. This easy to understand information will set out what is normally available in schools to help children with lower-level SEND as well as the options available to support families who need additional help to care for their child.”
The Cumbria County Council’s Local Offer will provide parents/carers with information about how to access services in this area, and what they can expect from those services. With regard to Education, it will let parents/ carers and young people know how school and colleges will support them, and what they can expect across the local settings. The Local Offer Steering Group has developed questions for schools, and trialled them with a small number of settings.
There are 14 questions, devised in consultation with parents/carers and other agencies, which reflect their concerns and interests. These will be answered by agencies, schools and colleges to provide information to parents and carers to enable them to make decisions about how to best support their child’s needs.
Below are Stanwix Primary School’s responses to these questions. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any further questions.
How does Stanwix Primary School know if children need extra help?
Prior to starting school we work closely with feeder nurseries to identify children with additional needs. We know when pupils need help if:
What should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
The class teacher is the initial point of contact for responding to parental concerns. Mrs Nuttall, the Interim Headteacher and Mrs Jenner the Deputy Headteacher are also readily available to speak to.
How will I know how Stanwix Primary School support my child?
Each pupil’s education programme will be planned by the class teacher, with the support of the SENCO. It will be differentiated accordingly to suit the pupil’s individual needs. This may include additional general support by the teacher or teaching assistant in class. The Schools Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Mrs Shields, offers support where necessary.
Additional help may be provided within or separate to the class; in a small group or on a one to one basis.
These interventions will be recorded on the class provision map (this is a record of the interventions, timings, cost and impact of the intervention).
Pupil Progress Meetings are held each term. This is a meeting where the class teacher meets with the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the progress of the pupils in their class. This shared discussion may highlight any potential problems in order for further support to be planned.
Occasionally a pupil may need more expert support from an outside agency such as the Children’s Therapy Team, Paediatrician etc. A referral will be made, with your consent and forwarded to the most appropriate agency. After a series of assessments, a programme of support is usually provided to the school and parents/carers.
The Governors of Stanwix Primary School are responsible for entrusting a named person, Mrs S Nuttall Interim Headteacher, to monitor Safeguarding and Child protection procedures. She is also responsible for the monitoring and correct administration of the Disclosure and Barring service procedures and the school’s Single Central record. In a support and challenge role the Governors ensure that the school is as inclusive as possible and treats all children and staff in an equitable way. They monitor and review the accessibility plan and all other statutory policies as defined by the DfE.
How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
How will I know how my child is doing?
How will you help me to support my child’s learning?
If outside agencies or the Educational Psychologist have been involved suggestions and programmes of study are normally provided that can be used at home.
What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?
We work hard to maintain high pupil attendance and promote positive behaviour management strategies throughout the school.
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the school?
We have a wealth of experience and expertise in our school staff, including those trained in reading intervention, speech and language, team teach, behaviour management and paediatric first aid.
At times it may be necessary to consult with outside agencies to receive their more specialised expertise. These may include:
What training are the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had or are having?
Different members of staff have received raining related to SEND.
These have included sessions on:
A number of staff have also been trained to deliver maths and reading intervention programs.
How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?
Activities and school trips are available to all.
How accessible is the school environment?
As a school we are happy to discuss individual access requirements. Facilities we have at present include:
How will the school prepare and support my child when joining Stanwix Primary School or transferring to a new school?
Many strategies are in place to enable the pupil’s transition to be as smooth as possible. These include:
Mrs Shields liaises with the SENCOs from the secondary schools to pass on information regarding SEN pupils.
How are the school’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?
The SEN budget is allocated each financial year. The money is used to provide additional support or resources dependent on an individual’s needs.
How is the decision made about how much support my child will receive?
These decisions are made in consultation with class teacher and Senior Leadership Team. Decisions are based upon termly tracking of pupil progress and as a result of assessments by outside agencies.
During their school life, if further concerns are identified due to the pupil’s lack of progress or well-being then other interventions will be arranged.
How will I be involved in discussions about and planning for my child’s education?
All parents are encouraged to contribute to their child’s education. This may be through:
Parents are encouraged to comment on their child’s IEP with possible suggestions that could be incorporated.
Who can I contact for further information?"
If you wish to discuss your child’s educational needs or are unhappy about something regarding your child’s schooling please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the Interim Headteacher, Mrs S Nuttall.