At Runnymede St Edward’s Catholic Primary School we value each child as a unique individual. We aim to provide an environment where all children feel safe, valued and can flourish. We respond to individuals in ways which take into account their varied life experiences and particular needs. Every effort is made to enable all pupils to learn and to grow independently.

Runnymede St Edward's Primary School is committed to providing an education that enables all children to make progress so that they achieve their best, become confident individuals living fulfilling lives and make a successful transition into adulthood.

We firmly believe that the best start in life is key to future success and that Quality First Teaching is the building blocks of excellent learning and excellent progress. We strive to ensure that every child receives the best teaching and learning possible which will help our children to thrive.

In our school, we believe in equity for all. All children matter and have equal access to the Curriculum regardless of their race, gender or ability. We give our children every opportunity to develop their personal skills and achieve their potential. We do this by taking account of our children’s range of life experiences when planning for their learning.

Realistic and challenging experiences are set to meet the individual needs of all our children. These take into account gender, special educational needs, able, gifted and talented, disabilities, social and cultural backgrounds, ethnicity and diverse linguistic backgrounds.

At Runnymede St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to providing an environment, which encourages all pupils to maximise their potential. This includes pupils who are more able and who are gifted and talented.

Where a need is identified we will endeavour to find the best ways to adapt and personalise learning opportunities and aids to maximise potential. We will look for the newest research and seek out the advice of those who can help. We are committed to ensuring that all barriers to learning are overcome without compromising progress, quality of learning, access to the curriculum or equipment.

At Runnymede St Edward’s Catholic Primary we believe that children must not be regarded as having a learning difficulty, solely because the language or form of language of their home is different from the language in which they will be taught. Runnymede will support children with English as an additional language and will provide the best English-speaking role models to maximise on the learning potential of learners who have English as a second language.

Intent

To ensure equity for all and to take into account legislation related to SEND;

• To provide full access for all pupils to a broad and balanced curriculum;
• To ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND are identified early;
• To ensure these pupils are assessed, monitored, planned for and regularly reviewed to improve outcomes and therefore make the necessary progress;
• To enable pupils with SEND to achieve their potential;
• To ensure pupils are prepared for adulthood;
• To ensure SEND pupils are equipped for life in the wider community;
• To ensure parents/carers are fully engaged in decision making, assessing progress and determining goals;
• To gain the views of the child and enable them to have a voice;
• To take into account the views, wishes and feelings of pupils/parents/carers;
• To provide advice and support for all staff working with pupils with SEND;
• To identify and refer pupils to the appropriate services where a need has been identified;
• To implement the advice of experts and professionals involved from outside of the school;
• To identify and direct parents to the best providers of support;
• To provide detailed information about the arrangements for identifying, assessing and making provision for pupils with SEND.

Implementation

• We will oversee the management and implementation of the SEND policy, ensuring its effectiveness and adjusting it accordingly;
• Our SENDco will identify children in EYFS, if possible, and begin the pathways for children if they are identified as having a special educational need;
• We will ensure the schools SEND register is up to date and ensuring that the name of any pupil identified as a cause for concern, including those with behavioural problems, is entered on the SEND register and then is appropriately followed through in terms of the Code of Practice suggested procedures -Assess, Plan, Do, Review (2014) so that every pupil will be catered for;
• We will Initiate and complete relevant paperwork with teaching staff e.g. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), Annual Reviews, Play Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, EHAT’s, etc.;
• We will Co-ordinate support for children with special educational needs both at home and in school to ensure a holistic approach;
• We will assist class teachers and parents when liaising with advisory staff;
• We will ensure we are available to liaise with external agencies and implement their strategies and advice;
• We will make ourselves available to speak with parents/carers in a timely manner and listen to their concerns and follow this up with our SENDCo;
• As a supportive and diligent school we will support teaching assistants (when appropriate) with training and expertise to ensure the best outcomes for children with SEND;
• We will ensure the records of children with special educational needs are maintained so that any transitions between classes or schools will be smooth and timely;
• Our SENDCo will attend courses to keep up to date with current issues, attend regular CPD, research key SEND areas and disseminate relevant information to staff;
• We will ensure that staff CPD needs are kept up to date by contributing to in-service training;
• We will be accountable for our SEND practice by reporting to governors on the progress of SEND and the strategic direction we are taking.
• We will monitor class work and teaching to ensure that the best possible quality of learning takes place;
• We will strive to ensure that children are prepared for their future career choices and that they can maintain a healthy, productive lifestyle;
• That they will be prepared mentally and socially for the challenges that the future may bring.

Impact

• We are proud of the impact our school has on SEND children and that they are happy, fulfilled and cared for.
• We are proud that the majority of children are identified as having SEND very early and thus maximising their learning potential by allowing staff to plan support from their early days.
• We have a team of highly skilled staff who have the knowledge and experience to plan for and support children with a range of needs.
• Our teachers are able to speak about children with SEND in their classes as we know these children well. We can speak about their strengths as well as their barriers to learning.
• Our children are supported to achieve their life goals and are actively encouraged towards further learning, university and a fulfilling career.
• We have very good working relationships with variety of professionals and experts whom we trust to give us the best, up-to-date advice and strategies.
• We have excellent relationships with our parents and carers in order to collaborate fluidly for the benefit of each child.
• We react to staff’s training needs and requests by sourcing high quality CPD which means our pupils get the best help and support.
• We have excellent transition arrangements for children who move classes or schools to ensure a smooth and anxiety-free change in setting, class or school.
• We receive the latest updates in SEND via the SENDCo including relevant research and tried and tested methods and strategies.
• Our team of supportive governors hold us accountable and provide the advice of a critical friend to ensure we are providing the best provision we can.
• We ensure that all strategic decisions are meaningful and have a purpose for the good of SEND pupils.
• We monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning strategies and will provide support and advice to staff to ensure the highest standards for children with SEND.
• Our children leave our school mentally prepared for the wider world and eventually their chosen career paths.

SEND Coordinator – S. Brophy

Tel: 0151-281-2300

Email: senco@runnymede-school.org.uk

Click the logo for our SEND Padlet, containing information, external agency support and ideas and tips in regards to SEND and SEMHWB.