SEND
SEND refers to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. In the early years (ages 0-5), identifying and supporting children with SEND is critical, as we know that early intervention can significantly impact their development and long-term outcomes.
Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in our early years is about creating an inclusive environment where every child can aspire, achieve and thrive.
Here are some practical ways we provide support:
1. We ensure our settings are accessible by developing an inclusive environment. To support us with this we use the Ordinarily Available Provision guidance (please refer to the PDF at the bottom of this webpage).
2. We ensure early identification and assessment is in place through observations, work with families and the use of screening tools.
3. For children with significant needs we develop personalised support plans that are tailored to individual needs: Individuals Education Plans (IEPs) or Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
4. We recognise the importance of the role of supporting adults and provide staff training to understand their legal responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act 2010.
5. At the heart of our school, we promote communication and interaction, using visual schedules and aids, facilitating group activities, deliver our communication curriculum Let's Communicate and engage children with Attention and Listening activities such as Bucket time. Additionally, we ensure to always model positive behaviour, showing understanding, patiences, and inclusive language to encourage acceptance in our whole school community.
6. We collaborate with professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Multi-Agencies.
7. We ensure to involve parents and caregivers via regular spares, parent workshops and partnerships.
8. By building relationships, promoting self-regulation and recognising achievement we ensure to foster emotional well-being.
9. We use assistive technology to support learning such as tablets and interactive whiteboards.
10. We track progress, adjust plans and review policies to ensure regular monitoring and reflections of SEND practice.
Please click our SEND link below to explore how we support SEND here at Colham Manor Primary School as well the links below offering guidance on support for home.