SEND Information Report

SEND Information for Parents

SEND Report

Holy Trinity Academy Commitment to SEND

Holy Trinity Academy is an inclusive faith-based school that serves the whole community of Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire and beyond. Holy Trinity Academy welcomes children aged 11-18 from all backgrounds, faiths or no faith and from the four areas of need as specified in the SEND code of practice:

Communication and interaction
Cognition and learning
Social, mental and emotional health
Sensory and/or physical

Holy Trinity Academy endeavors to identify, monitor and if necessary, put appropriate interventions in place, to ensure students make expected levels of progress

We work closely with all parents to listen to their views so as to build on students’ previous experiences, knowledge, understanding and skills so that they develop in all aspects of the curriculum.

We aim to deliver quality first teaching ensuring ALL students can access the curriculum. We will do this by regularly monitoring your child’s progress in meeting their targets.

We believe that all practitioners are teachers of students with SEN and should differentiate according to the needs of the students in their care.

If identified, departments will offer intervention/support at subject level.

The SEND department will become involved if progress remains a cause for concern. It may be necessary to carry out more detailed assessments and interventions using the recommended Plan Do Review cycle.

The SEND department will keep parents/carers informed at all stages. Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the form tutor, class teacher, SENCO, Headteacher Mr Neal or SEN Governor Mrs Fiona Barraclough.

The SEND department consists of four Learning Support Assistants and the SENCO, Mrs Susie Quye.

The SEND department has access to a wide range of external services for additional support and or advice including; CAMHS, Educational Psychology Service, Learning Support Advisory Team, Sensory Inclusion Team, Multi-Cultural Development Service, School Nurse, Occupational Therapy and Counselling Service accessed via a TAC (Team around the Child Plan).

Frequently asked Questions

How does the school know if students need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?	Holy Trinity Academy work together as a team, if teachers are concerned about the progress your child is making they will seek advice from the SENCO on strategies to support. Evidence will be collected through assessments, across the whole curriculum; a decision will be made as to whether your child requires additional or different provision. If you are concerned about your child you should speak to the class tutor, or contact the SENCO.
How will school staff support my child?	All students access Quality First Teaching. For your child this would mean: The teacher has the highest expectations for all pupils. Teaching is based on building on what your child already knows and can understand. Differentiation of work is used to ensure all pupils are involved in learning. Where necessary specific strategies are in place to support your child. These may be suggested by the SENCO or outside agencies. Your child’s progress is regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure they make the best possible progress. If intervention is identified, dependant on the intervention require, you child, may at times, work in a small group aimed at supporting literacy/numeracy. Sometimes a student may need extra support for literacy, numeracy, social, emotional or behavioural needs, or to work on their social skills in order to access the curriculum. In some of these instances an LSA may provide in-class support.
How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?	All teachers are teachers of SEND, and plan lessons according to the specific needs of all groups through differentiation. This allows for all students to access the curriculum. Support staff may work with the teacher to adapt work to support the needs of your child where necessary. Teaching and learning is monitored regularly in the school.
How will both you and I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?	Students’ progress is regularly monitored and assessed by their class teachers. There are regular parent evenings and you can ask for an appointment to speak with your child’s class teacher, tutor or the SENCO at a mutually convenient time. You will receive regular reports to enable you to monitor your child’s progress. If your child has a Statement of SEND or an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) an annual review is held according to the guidance in the code of practice.
What support will there be for my child’s overall well-being?	The school have the following staff who are available to support your child’s overall well-being: Class tutor Student support Head of Key Stage Senior Leadership Team If there is an identified need for extra support the school can refer to the following for extra support: SENCO – who may provide a Key worker for a period of time Educational Welfare Officer Learning Mentor School nurse
What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the school?	Where necessary the school can refer to the following services for advice and support: Sensory Inclusion Services – for hearing and visually impaired students. Teachers of the deaf/visually implied, on occasion, will work with students in the school. Autism Outreach – the school can ask for support from staff in the local authority to carry out specific work, if required, with students. Occupational Therapy – for students who are having difficulties with fine/gross motor skills, there is opportunity for referral. If this is required please contact the SENCO to discuss further. Speech and Language Therapy – For students who are having difficulties with their receptive or expressive communication skills there is opportunity for referral. If this is required please contact the SENCO to discuss further. If your child needs access to any further expert services please contact the SENCO to discuss.
What training are the staff supporting children with SEND had or are having?	The SENCO is a qualified teacher, who has the National Accredited SENCO award. All staff have access to training run throughout the year. Staff have recently received training in: Phonics, EAL, Hearing Impairment. In addition, when required, staff have opportunities to develop their skills by accessing courses out of school. Staff also have access to information to support students with medical conditions and health plans/risk assessments are completed and shared. If you child has a specific need please contact the SENCO who will discuss their needs further.
How will my child be included in activities outside of the classroom including school trips?	Every effort is made to include all students in school trips. Extra support on trips can be arranged where necessary. All trips are subject to a Risk Assessment. If you have any concerns about your child please contact the school to discuss.
How accessible is the school environment?	Holy Trinity Academy has moved into new premises in September 2015. The school will be fully DDA compliant. There is a lift to all floors and disabled toilets on each floor. Disabled parking spaces will be available to the front of the school. If you require further information about accessibility please contact the school directly.
How will the school prepare and support my child to join the school and transfer to post 16 and higher education?	We acknowledge that transition can be a difficult for a child with SEND, to support this we offer: If your child is moving to another school we will contact the school SENCO and ensure that they are aware of any special arrangements or support that is needed. We will ensure that all records are transferred as soon as possible. Year 6 Students with SEND may have access to extended transition – if you think this is required please discuss directly with the SENCO. Students transferring to post 16 and higher education will be supported by the school and future focus to ensure all information is passed on and a successful placement is identified.
How are the school’s resources allocated and matched to children’s special educational needs?	The Local Authority provides funding for schools to meet the needs of children with SEND. For students with a Statement of SEND or an EHCP for complex learning difficulties extra funding may be available to support meeting your child’s additional needs. This is identified in Part 3 of the statement. Support is allocated according to need. Your child’s need will be discussed prior to starting at Holy Trinity Academy and reviewed regularly.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?	If your child has a Statement of SEND this will be in Part 3. If extra support is required this will be discussed by all stakeholders to agree the type of intervention that will best support the progress of your child.