• WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY CHILD MAY HAVE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS?

We know when our children need help if:

- Concerns are raised by parents/carers, teachers or by the child himself/herself
- They experience difficulties in regular tests
- Limited or no progress is being made
- There is a sudden change in the pupils’ behaviour or progress
If you are concerned about your child, you should first contact your class teacher to discuss these concerns. After that, if you are not fully satisfied, you are very welcome to make a direct appointment with SENCO, Emily Smith.

• HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT MY CHILD?

Our SENDCO will closely monitor all provision and progress of any child requiring additional support across the school. The class teacher will regularly plan and review the progress of every child with SEND to ensure that their work is scaffolded enough to give them full access to a curriculum that suits their ability. There may also be a Teaching Assistant (TA) working with your child either individually or as part of a group, if this is seen as necessary by the class teacher. The SENDCO regularly reports to the headteacher and governors to measure how successful is the support for children with SEND.

• HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MY CHILD IS DOING?

Parents and carers are invited into the school at least three times a year to our Parents'
Evenings when the SENCO is also available. In addition, you will also be invited to an meeting with the SENCO a further three times a year. However, all our staff are available to support you at any time so please feel able to make appointments to suit you at any other time. We also produce a formal report that is sent home during the school year which will update you on the progress your child is making.

• HOW WILL THE THE CURRICULUM BE MATCHED TO MEET MY CHILD'S NEEDS?

Wherever possible, your child will be encouraged to take part in learning at the same level as the rest of the children in the class. Where necessary, they will access a curriculum suited to their individual needs. We believe every child has an equal right to be included in all academic, social and physical activities in school. This means we are committed to making sure every child can access learning. Teachers are dedicated to personalising learning tasks so children with SEND are supported in different ways to achieve their full potential.

• WHAT SUPPORT WILL THERE BE FOR MY CHILD'S MENTAL WELLBEING?

The school prides itself on its emotional, social and medical support for all. Should your child need prescribed medicine to be administered during the school day then this is managed through the school office. Should your child have a health care plan that has been devised by the school nursing team or otherwise then this will be shared with all staff concerned. We offer a variety of support for those children or parents who may be experiencing emotional difficulties:                                                                - PSHCE curriculum – taught sessions with teachers to develop strategies
- Time with our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
- ‘Chill Skills’ relaxation
- Time with our Family Support Worker
- TrickBox
- 'Buddies' scheme
- Structured Play - Oasis
- Breakfast Club – for a positive start to the day

• HOW WILL I RAISE CONCERNS IF I NEED TO?

You should first contact your child’s class teacher to discuss any concerns you may have. You can also phone the office on 02392 263200 to make an appointment to see our SENCO. Please see our Complaints Policy for more information. You can also expect the opportunity to complete a special SEND parent questionnaire so we can learn from your views on how to make things even better.

• WHAT TRAINING FOR STAFF IS AVAILABLE?

Different members of staff have received various training related to SEND. Training is matched to the immediate needs within school and include courses in:                                                                                       - Basic first aid
- Encouraging independence
- Scaffolding learning techniques
- Attachment
- Young persons mental health
- Counselling
- Insulin Pump training
- Dyslexia
- Challenging behaviour
- Supporting children with ADHD and ASC
- Transition to Secondary School

• HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT MY CHILD IN TRANSFERRING TO AND FROM THE SCHOOL AND IN PREPARING FOR ADULT LIFE?

Transition from or to another school is an exciting and yet daunting prospect for some. At Hart Plain Junior School we work really hard to ensure transition goes well. Information is regularly shared between feeder schools before and after the children transfer to us. Regular opportunities are made in order for all of the children to visit their new settings well before their start date. Should additional visits be needed then these are arranged. Social stories can also aid transition and these are also used where appropriate. Meetings with new parents are arranged with new class teachers and the SENDCO, if required, at the start of the year. Transition Plans are co-written by teachers, parents, children and the SENCO, at the end of KS2, for those children that may require specific support when beginning a  new school. PSHCE lessons and school assemblies are dedicated to teaching children our five core
values. These help to prepare them to pursue a healthy lifestyle; make good relationships; realise their ambitions and keep themselves safe. We teach the children about positive mental wellbeing and strategies to deal with stress and anxiety through out Trickbox lessons.