In September 2014 the Government introduced a new code of practice for the management of special educational needs in schools. Below is a summary of St John's approach to the management of SEN (the school offer) including contact details and provision available. There is also a link to the SEN policy and the local authority offer further information will be added shortly.

If you have any questions about the new legislation and how this may affect your child do not hesitate to contact Mrs Birkin, the School's SENCo.

The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator for the school is Mrs Laura Birkin. For contact details please Click here

Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 

Information for young people with Special Educational Needs &Disabilities, and their families - Click Below

• Communication and interaction needs
• Children with Speech and Language difficulties are supported by the SALT team. The designated speech therapist will provide programmes and therapy to children within the school and these will be delivered by a member of school staff with their guidance and support.
• Cognition & Learning

• Support for learning difficulties may be required when children and young people learn at a slower pace than their peers, even with appropriate differentiation. Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication, through to profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment. At St John's we work with the specific agencies to ensure each child receives a tailored curriculum to meet their needs, which may be as simple as differentiating work, giving in class support to a totally individualised curriculum. We will work with outside agencies such as Educational Psychologists and Autism outreach.

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health

• The school closely monitors and analyses both classroom and playground behaviour to ensure that the necessary support is provided  for children who are demonstrating signs of emotional need.  The school runs targeted interventions to help support children develop their behaviour, confidence and support emotional needs. We communicate with parents and outside agencies to ensure a positive learning experience for every child, and we endeavour to help alleviate any stresses and anxiety that may be causing children to fall behind with their learning. We have a team of learning mentors who offer 1-2-1 sessions for children who are identified as needing emotional support. We have a senior learning mentor who is available for drop in sessions for the children and we have a children's and family liaison  officer who can support parents and children at home and with any emotional worries they may have.

• Sensory and/or Physical
• Children with Physical Needs are supported through liaison with our NHS Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and liaison with the Sensory Impairment Team. Care Plans can be implemented and additional resources such as lap tops, foot rests, writing slopes etc are put in to place to enable pupils to access the quality first teaching within the classroom if required.

Useful SEND Websites

• www.communication4all.co.uk/ -  Resources to support Inclusion, EYFS and Visuals

• www.senteacher.org/  - SEN Teacher is amongst the oldest teaching resource sites, the materials are free to share and use in schools or at home.  The Print tools on SEN Teacher allow you to create, adapt and share teaching resources for a wide-range of abilities. No login or registration is required to use SEN Teacher. Also has links to other useful websites.

• www.autism.org.uk – The National Autistic Society website, the main UK charity for supporting people with ASD and their families (contains lots of useful advice and resources)

• www.attentionautism.com – For more information on Attention Autism and how you can support your child to develop attention and turn-taking skills

• www.widgit.com/resources - Symbolled resources for different topics and areas of life, including resources for fire safety and about visiting the doctors/dentists

• www.special-needs-kids.co.uk – An information directory for parents and carers

• www.iassnetwork.co.uk – Advice and support for parents of children with SEN

• www.autismuk.com – Lots of information on ASD

• www.downs-syndrome.org.uk – Advice and support, including booklets to help with independent toileting, sleeping and managing behaviour

• www.autismspeaks.org – A comprehensive site, with a useful resource library

• www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html - A really useful set of social stories to share with children, covering topics ranging from coping with a new baby in the family to getting a haircut to making friends. The National Autistic Society website also provides guidance on writing your own personalised social stories

You can access our Accessibility Plan and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy on our policies page.