St Cuthbert's is proud to be an inclusive school, valuing the individuality of all children. We are committed to giving all our children every opportunity to achieve the highest of standards. We do this by taking account of pupils’ varied life experiences and needs. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and have high expectations of all our children. The achievements, attitudes and well-being of all our children matter.

This page shares the policies and practices that we have in place to ensure these aspirations become apparent.

Changes To SEN

The changes in the Children and Families Bill affect the way children with special educational needs (SEN) are supported in schools. The new approach began in September 2014 and places pupils at the centre of planning. The key principles of the new legislation are:

1. Young people and their families should be involved in discussions about the support they need, so they can share their knowledge and feed back to the school on the young person’s progress.
2. Education, health and care plans (EHC) will replace statements of special educational needs. New assessments for additional educational needs will follow the EHC guidelines from September 2014. (Existing statements will remain in force until all children and young people have completed the transition, which will be within three years).
3. School Action and School Action Plus will cease and be replaced by a single school-based category for children who need extra specialist  

Transition

We recognise that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.

How we will support children with SEND when they are moving on to another class, joining or leaving this school:

We have effective transition arrangements in place for children at all stages of their time with us.

The transition from our preschool and other settings begins with a meeting for parents/carers to set out the procedures and expectations for their child’s time in our school. Parents/carers are also informed of all the ways their child can be supported during their time with us. Staff can arrange to visit children in their settings to see them in a familiar environment. Children then visit our school.

Additional transition sessions, for all SEND children, towards the end of the summer term prove successful every year across the school. Time with new staff as well as social stories sent home, support children in managing change. 

We have strong and successful links with the local secondary schools in our area. The staff from these schools discuss support strategies for SEND children with key staff members, sharing documents and resources. Additional meetings can be arranged with parents/carers as part of this transition process. 

Our school has a member of staff with responsibility for organising and planning the transition and induction of SEND children into schools. Where children with SEND are moving to new provision, we will work closely with the receiving school to ensure their needs continue to be met both during induction and into the future. Where there are more vulnerable children moving to different schools, meetings are held between their class teacher/SENCO and the academic and pastoral team of the receiving school to ensure provision for their needs is known and continues.

If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail, please contact the school to arrange an appointment.