Special Educational Needs
Kennet Valley prides itself in being an inclusive school. We have high expectations for all of our children and strive to create a challenging yet supportive learning environment. The school follows the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs. Our Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) is Ms Karen Malcolm. Our Special Needs Governor is Miss Radha Verma.
It is important to discuss any barriers to learning fully with parents so that we can work together in partnership to support a child’s individual needs and ensure every child reaches their full potential in a supportive environment. Once a child’s additional needs have been identified, a plan will be put in place. Where appropriate, needs will be met through an outcomes based approach and interventions planned for in the classroom. In some cases more focussed intervention is needed and a child may be taken out of lessons to work 1:1 or in a small group. The impact of any additional provision is tracked by our SENDCo and reported to parents. Parents can request a meeting with the SENDCo should they have concerns over their child’s progress.
Occasionally it is necessary to seek advice from other professional agencies such as the Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapy, specialist advisory teachers or the West Berkshire Learning Support Team. This can help to identify specific problems and advise on support strategies for the child. Again, parents will be kept informed and where appropriate - will be involved in discussions about their child.
Special educational needs will be identified and met through the following procedures.
- Record keeping, observation and contact with parents, all to be formalised in a termly meeting between class teachers and the SENDCo
- The appropriate use of outside agencies
- Preparation, maintenance and evaluation of SAPs (Support and Achievement Plans) within the school
- Adaptations where appropriate and possible - to the physical environment
- The provision of appropriate resources
- Involvement of parents at all stages of the responding to a child’s special needs
- Where the level of needs is such that an EHC (Educational Health and Care plan which was previously known as a statement of Special Educational Needs) is appropriate - the legal procedure will be followed.
Please follow the link below to find the latest local offer and SEND Policy information.