SEND
What is SEND?
Children and young people with Special Education Needs (SEN) have learning difficulties make it harder for them to learn than most children and young people of the same age. These children and young people may need extra or different help from that given to others.
Many children and young people who have SEN may also have a disability. A disability is described in law (the Equality Act 2010) as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term (a year or more) and substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.’ This includes, for example, sensory impairments such as those that affect sight and hearing, and long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy.
SEND concerns and next steps
If you have concerns that your child may have a barrier to learning which could be related to Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. They will discuss your concerns, review any support already in place, and may introduce additional strategies or monitor your child’s progress. If concerns continue, the class teacher will liaise with the SENCo to consider further support. Mrs Liggins is our SENCo. She can be contacted through the school office.
For more information, please refer to our SEND Policy and SEND Information Report. The SEND Policy outlines how we support children with additional needs, while the SEND Information Report provides a clear overview of the support available and how we work with families and professionals.
Medway Local Offer
Medway’s Local Offer gives information and advice for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
The Local Offer provides information about the services available to children, young people and their families across Education, Health and Social Care.
Knowing what is out there and having the right information in one place gives you more choice and therefore more control over the services you use.
Medway have developed their Local Offer in partnership with parents, carers, young people and professionals. It is an ongoing project, constantly being updated.
The aim of the Local Offer is to:
- give information about Education, Health and Care services
- give information about leisure activities and support groups
- hold all the information in one place
- be clear, detailed, accurate and accessible
- make it easier to find out what you need to know
- help you find the nearest and most suitable services
- make service provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations
Support Resources and Useful Websites
Please take a look at our page dedicated to supporting SEND needs at home. If you come across any resources that may benefit other families, we would love for you to share them with us. And remember, if you need any support or guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.Government Documentation
SEND: guide for parents and carersSpecial educational needs and disability A guide for parents and carers
Special educational needs and disability code of practice
General Resources
Speech and Language Support for ParentsMy Autism and Me - a Newsround special
Talking to Your Child about Autism
Dyslexia explained
ERIC - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity