Local Offer for Special Educational Needs in the Mainstream Setting of Deighton Gates Primary School 2023 - 2024

What do I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

If your child is already in school:

In the first instance you need to speak to the class teacher who will liaise with the School’s Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). Appointments can be made by telephoning the school office on 01937 584359.

If your child is new to the school:

Please contact the School Office to make an appointment to speak with the SENCo, Mrs R Smith on 01937 584359.

We will make an assessment of your child’s special needs and either offer support in school with our own staff, refer for further support in school or signpost you to other agencies that may be able to support you.

How will school support my child?

If your child is identified as having special educational needs, your child’s class teacher will, in discussion with you and your child where appropriate, plan an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a Group Education Plan (GEP). These plans are regularly reviewed and updated with the Class Teacher, SENCo and Key Stage Leaders and will detail the support needed in the form of targets to work on as well as the staff involved. Teachers will share information with parents as an ongoing plan.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

Teaching will be modified to meet individual needs by differentiating the curriculum, providing extra adult support, extra resources and/or small group focus. This will be detailed on the IEP or GEP.

How will I know how well my child is doing and how will you help me support my child’s learning?

In addition to normal reporting arrangements, parents will receive regular feedback on how well your child is doing. Amended IEPs and GEP’s will be shared with parents as and when they are changed. We have an “Open Door” policy at Deighton Gates and staff are available by appointment to talk to parents at any time of the year. Resources and teaching tips will be shared with parents to facilitate stronger home/school links.

What specialist services and expertise are available or accessed by the school?

Through a referral system we have access to universal services such as the School Nursing Team, Learning Support, Speech and Language and the Educational Psychology Team.

In addition, as part of the EPOS cluster we have access to Family Support Workers and  a Local Inclusion Leader. Requests for support are by a referral process.

What training are the staff supporting children with SEND having/had?

Ongoing training for staff has included First Aid, positive handling, Autism, emotional literacy as well as supporting children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, developmental language disorder and attention deficit disorder. 

We have paediatric trained first aid support. Please see the website for details of our policies.

How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom?

All children with SEND will be encouraged to access activities outside the classroom. Where 1-1 support is required, the school will endeavour to meet that need where possible.

How accessible is the school?

The school is a single storey school based in two buildings. Slopes link the buildings and are suitable for wheelchair access. There is a disabled toilet in one building but no care suite facilities are available.

How will the school help my child on transfer to the next phase of education?

Transition arrangements to high school or to a specialist setting are highly structured and involve the parent and child closely. The SENCo/Learning Mentor will liaise with all parties to ensure a smooth transition.

How are the school’s resources/funding allocated and matched to children’s needs?

Resources are allocated on an individual needs basis. As a mainstream school, most support is funded through a central pot. For children with high needs the school may apply for additional funding. This will be in consultation with you as parents.

How are parents involved in the school and how can I be involved?

All parents are welcome to be involved in school at many levels. We have an active Parent Teacher Association that meets regularly. They put on both fund raising and social events throughout the year. In addition we have parents who regularly come in to bake, to read and help with a vast range of activities. We often have parents join us on event days or trips out and we even have a Dads’ Army of volunteers who share their individual skills when we need them!

Who can I contact for further information?

For further information please contact the School Office on 01937 584359 to make an appointment to speak with Mrs Rebecca Smith, SENCo.