Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Hester’s Way Primary School, we know that pupils with SEND have the greatest need for the best possible teaching and are entitled to provision that supports achievement and enjoyment at school. In English, SEND children are supported through scaffolding, cognitive and metacognitive strategies to name but a few. Our Little Wandle phonics programme supports children who may need daily keep up and catch-up sessions. All SEND children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, they all have access to age related mastery maths lessons with support from a pre-teach, flexible grouping, the use of manipulatives and technology. The same strategies are used during foundation subjects. Some children may need a little extra support beyond this and this is where we provide small group and one to one interventions, based on the child’s needs. These interventions are carefully targeted through identification and assessment of need. We are an inclusive school where all of our children have access to all of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

Our SENDCO is Mrs Richards and she works in conjunction with the Headteacher, Miss Ashman, to ensure appropriate SEND provision is in place and effective. School staff regularly meet with our parents/carers to inform them of their child’s targeted support, progress and how they can support their child’s education. We also liaise with outside agencies such as Advisory Teaching Service, Educational Psychologist, School Nurse and Speech and Language. Together we aim for the best possible outcomes for all children.

The school follow the recommended Gloucestershire SEND graduated pathway. Where a child needs some more targeted support we place them on a My Plan, if there are more complex needs the child/family will have a My Assessment written followed by a My Plan+. If a child has diverse and complex needs reaching the threshold for more specialist support for high needs then an EHCP may be applied for, following the graduated pathway.

We are proud of the relationships we have with our parents and carers to take a holistic approach to each child’s development. We ensure we maintain open communication and involvement of parents/carers in every step of their child’s journey ensuring a nurturing environment for all of their needs. If you have any concerns about your child’s development and academic progress, please see the class teacher or Mrs Richards (SENDCO) who will be happy to meet with you and talk about this. We can also help to signpost you to other external agencies who may be-able to support any needs that have at home.