The Polesworth School’s Local Offer
At The Polesworth School, it is our aim to equip all students, of all backgrounds and all abilities with a crucial sense of possibility; including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Government now requires all Local Authorities in the UK to publish, in one place, information about services and provision they expect to be available in their area for children and young people from 0 to 25 who have Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND). This is known as the Local Offer.
We place responsibility for effective teaching and learning of all our students, including SEND, firmly with the classroom teacher, reflecting the principle that SEND is a whole school issue. To enable us to provide sufficient support to class teachers in the delivery of high quality teaching the Learning Support Department is staffed by:
SENCO;
Inclusion Manager / Specialist Assessor (1);
HLTA (1);
Designated Admin Assistant (1);
Teaching Assistants (7.5 FTE).
The Polesworth School aims to meet the needs of all students. We currently work with students with a wide variety of needs including those from the four broad areas of need:
- Cognition and Learning;
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health;
- Communication and Interaction;
- Sensory and/or Physical.
Support on offer:
Teaching Assistants in class support (for specific pupils);
1:1 withdrawal (basic literacy; basic numeracy; therapeutic work);
ASD/General/Emotional mentoring (key worker allocated to specific pupil);
One page pupil profiles;
Annual Reviews;
Risk Assessment;
SEN Training – New Staff;
Dyslexia Screening;
Testing for Learning Levels;
Testing for Access Arrangements (exam concessions);
Provision of approved access arrangements by trained staff;
Liaison with Student Support.
Outside Agencies / Specialist Provision:
We work with a number of outside agencies and specialists to ensure we deliver the highest quality provision.
Outside Agencies:
Integrated Disability Service (hearing impaired, visually impaired, physical disabilities);
Educational Psychology Service;
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
At the Polesworth School we adhere to the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, details of which are below:
Assess:
Pupil assessment is ongoing and vital in the support and development of our students, informing practice and provision. In addition to subject assessments, all students are assessed for basic literacy and numeracy levels at the beginning of year 7. All assessments can be used as an initial referral to the SEND team. The Inclusion Department also liaises closely with all subject areas to ensure provision is adequate and students’ needs are being met. We are available for parents to contact us regarding their concerns and to discuss provision.
Plan:
Where an SEN has been diagnosed we will contact parents and, in consultation with the pupil and subject teacher/s, plan the proposed support and interventions. These interventions will then be monitored to assess their impact against agreed outcomes.
Do:
Class teachers will be responsible for implementing (with the backing of the Inclusion Department) the necessary interventions. The SENCo, Inclusion Manager and HLTA will work alongside teachers and departments to offer advice and guidance.
Review:
The Inclusion Department, in conjunction with the class teacher, will assess the effectiveness of the support and interventions upon the agreed date. Support will then be revised to meet the ongoing needs of the pupil. If the evidence provided shows the pupil is not making sufficient progress, specialist intervention may then be sought.
FAQ:
Who should I contact if I’m concerned that my child has additional needs?
The school office: 01827-702205 (select extension 208) where you will be put through to our Inclusion Department.
How does the school know my child needs extra help?
Through the use of tracking data, staff concerns, diagnostic testing and where progress is below expectations.
What can you offer to support my child?
We will endeavour to find an intervention which will meet your child’s needs from the wide range of support options we have available. We will always work closely with you and your child to find an appropriate and proportionate response for their needs.
How will I know the support is effective?
We monitor the impact of all intervention and support and will contact you to when they are reviewed.
Is the school accessible to students with physical disabilities?
Yes. We have wheelchair access to all of our buildings and lifts are available for students with physical difficulties.