At Culgaith C of E Primary School we try to meet the needs of all the children in our school including those with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) and here we set out how exactly how we as a school meet the needs of children with SEND. We hope that it helps you make informed choices about our school and what we can offer your child.

If you have any queries about our SEND provision, please email our SENDCO, Mrs Dobinson - head@culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk or Miss McWhirter on sam.mcwhirter@culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk

We have a duty to publish information for parents/carers, carers and learners within our school about our policy for children with SEND. This information is updated annually. 

Policy in Practice

Culgaith CE School  Special Education Needs and Disabilities Information Report.

Please note that throughout this document SEND refers to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and SENDCO refers to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator.

SEN Information Report

What types of Special Educational Needs or Disabilities are provided for at Culgaith CE School?
At Culgaith CE School we welcome all children who will benefit from an inclusive, mainstream education. We recognise the needs of the most and least able children and we know and understand that children may have special educational needs or disabilities throughout, or at any time during their school career.

If for any reason we feel that we are unable to meet the needs of a child, we work in partnership with the family and the Local Authority to find alternative provision that will be able to offer the support or specialist environment and skills required.

At Culgaith CE School we believe that all children are unique and special. It is every child’s right to feel valued, to experience success and to feel positive about themselves regardless of any Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

How does the school identify and assess pupils with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities?
Most of the children who attend our school start in our Nursery, which is part of our Early Years class. This means that the skilled team are able to identify children who may have special educational needs or disabilities before they start school. We also work closely with other settings and agencies (e.g. health visitors) if children have not been in our Nursery in order to identify children with additional needs and seek the settings/agencies’ advice on how best to meet each child’s individual needs.

Liaison with parents/carers and skilled professionals is vital and we meet regularly as a team around a child so that we can gather up to date information and advice.

Our highly trained Early Years Team visit children in their home prior to children starting school which provides an excellent chance to talk to parents/carers and the child.

Staff are aware of the different developmental stages and the fact that children have different rates of progress towards and through these.  The Early Years team has regular meetings where they discuss concerns and these are then discussed with the Head teacher/SENDCO and with parents/ carers.

Progress of all pupils is monitored regularly by class teachers and discussed and moderated by the staff team so that we can quickly identify when a pupil is not making expected progress in a particular area of learning. This is discussed with the parent/carers/class teacher and, when necessary, the SENDCO.  We can then plan for additional support and, if necessary, make a referral to the Local Authority’s SEND team for specialist help where a child meets the SEND criteria.

The school holds termly Open Evenings for all parent/carers so that individual children’s progress can be discussed and parents are welcome to make an appointment at any other time convenient for them and staff if they have concerns about their child’s progress or level of attainment.

If you have a concern about your child’s progress or level of attainment, in the first instance please speak with your child’s class teacher to discuss your concerns. The class teacher will then liaise with our SENDCO as appropriate.

How does the school evaluate the effectiveness of it’s provision?
Our tracking process provides a clear indication when children are not meeting their personal targets and when a child is not attaining at a level expected for their age.

Teaching staff assess in an ongoing way (Assessment for Learning) which monitors the progress of individual pupils and makes adjustments to their IEPS based on how much progress is or is not being made.

Staff check that progress made as a result of focused support is reflected in independent tasks.

The SENDCO monitors the overall support provided for SEND pupils and identifies strengths and areas for future development. This may lead to the purchasing of resources, staff training or the sharing of good practice with other schools in our SENDCO Cluster.

Parents and pupils are consulted directly and their views are included in monitoring reviews.

The Governing Body has identified SEND Governors who consult with the SENDCO and monitor the progress of SEND Pupils across the school using data from ASP and school based tracking systems. They evaluate the impact that the support pupils receive has on their progress and general well-being. The SEND Governors then report back to the Full Governing Body.

When a child has met the criteria for SEND support after a referral to the local Authority, regular Team Around the Child meetings are held to which all who contribute to the support are invited. The team evaluate the effectiveness of the provision by discussing progress and well-being.

Any intervention that we create in addition to the normal differentiate, we monitor with documentation.

How does the school assess and review the progress of SEND pupils?
The progress of all pupils is monitored closely by class teachers throughout the year.

The SENDCO monitors the progress of children with special educational needs against their personal targets and teaching staff meet termly to analyse tracking to identify needs.

Action is taken if pupils fail to meet the progress targets and expectations that are set for them. (Targets are based on individual performance and ability and judged alongside national expectations.)

Our provision map shows the range of interventions and support strategies in place in our school.

Regular meetings take place between the SENDCO and the SEND governor to discuss children’s overall progress and the impact of any additional individual support of group intervention.

Reviews of IEPS / Education Health Care Plans / Team Around the Family Action Plans take place on regular basis to ensure the school’s provision meets the needs of the child. Parents are actively involved in reviews and the views of both pupils and parents are valued. Specialist advice is always sought and directly informs reviews and the formation of any new Individual Education Plans.

We have a thorough Provision Map, SEND tracker and documents to monitor progress which we regularly share with parents.

How does the school teach pupils with SEND?
Each class teacher is responsible for the education of all children in their class, including those children who have special educational needs or disabilities. Teachers and teaching assistants apply flexible methods and strategies to best meet needs and enable access to learning.

The school’s SENDCOs, Mrs Lynn Dobinson and Miss Sam McWhirter, offer support and advice where appropriate.

Additional help or specific interventions may be offered in a small group or one to one basis if this is felt to be beneficial to meeting particular needs.

When school identifies the need for additional intervention to enable a pupil to make the expected progress, the parents/carers will be informed of the planned support and offered the opportunity to discuss this further if they have any concerns or queries.

If a pupil meets the criteria for SEND, Individual Education Plan will be created detailing the support the pupil will receive, who and how the support will be delivered, the period of time the support will last for and the outcome that is hoped for.

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
Class teachers are provided with specific information on the needs of individual pupils at the start of each year so that they can plan how best to meet the needs of the pupils in their care. They share this with other staff working with children in that class.

Our staff deliver high quality teaching, which is differentiated to meet the needs of individuals.

We have a team of trained and skilled support staff who work alongside the class teacher to deliver specific interventions to groups of pupils or to an individual child according to the requirements of the IEP or EHCP.

How is the learning environment adapted to meet the needs of SEND pupils?
Our school is partly wheelchair accessible due to the fact that we are on one level with flat or ramped access to most exits and entrances. Any recent alterations or build are in line with Equality regulations.

Risk Assessments are in place and any possible hazards or risks are identified and addressed through the school’s Building Maintenance and Accessibility Plans.

Specific resources may be acquired to meet the needs of individuals, e.g. specialist seating.

Lighting has been updated and signage is clear.

We seek specialist advice where a particular need is identified and would try to meet this advice where possible.

What additional support is available to pupils with SEND?
Each class teacher is responsible for the education of all children in their class, including those children who have special educational needs or disabilities.

The school’s SENDCO offers support and advice where appropriate.

Additional help or specific interventions may be offered in a small group or one to one basis.

When school identifies the need for additional intervention to enable a pupil to make the expected progress, the parents/carers will be informed of the planned support and offered the opportunity to discuss this further if they have any concerns or queries.

If the pupil meets the criteria for special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), a IEP will be created detailing the support the pupil will receive,  the period of time the support will last for and the outcome that is hoped for.

If pupils require high levels of support Education Health Care Plans are requested in order to enhance the support provided through specialist advice, assessment and additional funding.

What activities are available for pupils with SEND  in addition to those normally available  in accordance with the curriculum?
Teaching Assistant support is given at lunchtime, playtimes and during trips outside of the classroom for those children who are identified as requiring this additional support.

Parents are involved in discussions to agree how best to support their child on educational visits. Parents may even accompany their children on trips if all agree that this would be the best way to ensure safety and access, if parents/carers are able to do so.

SEND pupils can attend after school clubs and breakfast club in the same way as other pupils. If additional adult support is required decisions will be made in partnership with parents and the acquisition of additional funding or volunteers may be necessary.

What support will there be for improving emotional and social development of pupils with SEND?

Culgaith CE School’s Statement of Intent and our child-centered approach provide a solid foundation of support and shared values for the whole school community.

Our strong belief in the teaching of life- long learning skills through Resilience, Reflection, Resourcefulness and Relationship building helps children to celebrate their own and other people’s successes and identify where they might be able to improve.

The whole school understands the importance of communication. Children talk about what has happened, how they have done, staff provide feedback, ask questions and support children to solve problems themselves wherever possible.

Older children are given responsibilities and have a share in the mentoring of children who might need more help.

Each morning staff welcome parents and carers into school to help settle the children into their classroom environment. This provides parents with the opportunity to talk directly to staff about any little queries or to make an appointment.

At the end of the day staff will feedback to parents/carers when necessary at handover time.

We actively promote Healthy Eating and Lifestyle and include this teaching in our planning.

We ave a clear programme on Personal, Social and Health Education. It is focussed on making the right choices and why this is a good idea and the sessions are differentiated to meet the needs of children at different stages.

Other areas of learning about developing relationships and changes linked to maturing which are appropriate for the older children are specifically taught in a sensitive way. Parents/carers are always informed and individual children’s needs would always be considered.

PSHE discussions are used regularly to explore social issues, as a way to build self-esteem and confidence and to encourage an ability to be still, to reflect and develop a more spiritual way of thinking about the wider world and our own special qualities.

Who is the school SENDCO and how can I contact them or further information?
Mrs Lynn Dobinson at 01768 88655 head@culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk or Miss Sam McWhirter sam.mcwhirter@culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk

Or alternatively please call in to visit us at

Culgaith CE School

Culgaith

Penrith

Cumbria

CA10 1QL

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by the school?
We liaise with a wide range of professionals depending upon each child’s individual needs. These include: Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Early Years and Specialist Advisory Teachers, Teachers of the Deaf/Visually Impaired, Occupational Health, School Nurse, 4EDEN, Specialist Nurses, Behaviour Support Team and East Cumbria Family Support, Children’s Services.

What training have the staff supporting the children and young people with SEND had or are having?

As part of our annual Performance Management / Appraisal staff development is considered. Types of training undertaken recently include: Speech and Language Development, Epi-pen training, Behaviour management. Basic Moves (gross motor development), Autism Awareness Training, Down syndrome training, specific training for certain children. As a small school, it is difficult to explain specific training without breaking confidentiality of medical situations but we have very specific training to ensure children in our school are safe at all times. 

Most of our staff are trained first aiders with Paediatric First aiders in the Early Years class.

Risk Assessments are produced to support pupils when necessary, these provide staff with additional guidance on how to handle specific situations.

How is SEND funding, equipment and resources secured and allocated?
Funding, equipment and resources are allocated to particular children (and in some cases to a small group of children) depending upon the needs identified in their IEP or Education Health Care Plan.

For most pupils the amount of support provided by the school is dictated by their level of progress and attainment.

Pupils with identified SEND will be allocated support based on their IEPS and Education Health Care Plans.

Parents are actively involved in decisions and agreement about the support provided for their child.

An overview of allocation is set out in our SEND provision map.

How will I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
We believe that the relationship between home and school is absolutely vital and that, together we can surround the children with the care and support they need in order to make the progress they deserve.

We have a three term entry system for Nursery children. The term before children start, we invite them for a couple of induction sessions and we speak to their parents individually. This is also offered to children who start our school who have not attended in their Nursery years.

Prior to entry into Reception we hold a welcome evening where parents are invited into school and the Head and the Early Years Teacher give information about the curriculum, routines and communication channels and opportunities for discussing progress and support.

Our Early Years Teacher will visit you and your child in your home and this gives further opportunity for sharing information.

The Early Years team also make the children’s albums available for parents to see at regular intervals and parents/carers are invited to make comments about the albums and about what the children do at home.

The whole school has termly open evenings where progress and attainment in terms of age related expectations are discussed and children working within Key Stage 1 and 2 have termly Next Steps for reading, writing and maths which are set and reviewed with the children and shared with parents. For children with special educational needs, these targets would include the targets on their Individual Education Plan, toileting plan, or their Education and Health Care Plan. At these meetings we will also discuss any support that would be beneficial at home over and above the support already given.

When appropriate or necessary parents/carers may be contacted to discuss the support that the school are providing and how you can help your child at home at other times during the year.

Some children who have lifelong medical or educational needs will require an Education Health Care Assessment which may be requested with advice and support from external agencies.

When appropriate, parents/carers are signposted to relevant agencies within the community who can offer further support to you and your child. Multi-agency meetings may be held to help coordinate and review the support offered to vulnerable pupils and their families.

How are SEND pupils consulted with in regard to actively involving them in their own education? 
The children attending Culgaith CE School are aged from 3 to 11 years old.  Staff have discussions with children about their work, their Next Steps and they give regular feedback on work and achievement. They observe and engage with them in their play and talk with and support them where needed. Some children are able to contribute to these discussions and next step setting processes and their views are included. For other children, this is more difficult and so we include photos of them taking part in activities, or videos of them interacting and learning as part of the evidence of their enjoyment and participation assessment.

How are complaints handled in regard to SEND provision at the school?
Any complaints with regard to SEND provision should in the first instance be discussed with your child’s class teacher and/or the SENDCO.  If you feel your complaint has still not been successfully resolved you should then then contact the Head Teacher, Mrs Lynn Dobinson.  Thereafter Cumbria LEA’s complaints procedure should be followed.

How does the school involve other bodies, support services, agencies and voluntary organisations in meeting the needs of SEND pupils and their families?
The school works with several different agencies, bodies and support services.  In some circumstances individuals may be referred directly to an agency (e.g. following a request from a parent/carer or when staff require specific advice, guidance or help to assess the needs of a child e.g. Speech and Language). The agencies involved with a child’s support will be invited to Team Around the Child meetings along with parents/carers and staff.

How are pupils with English as an Additional Language who have SEND supported?
If a child requires support because English is additional language for them, this support is given outside of our SEND processes. However, if a child also has special educational needs or a disability they may require even more support and the specific problem may be more difficult to identify because of the language challenge, especially if English is an additional language for the whole family. Culgaith CE School staff would strive to find suitably qualified translators and professionals to assist in assessing the child’s needs. Once the issues are identified we will develop strategies and a programme of support to meet the needs of the child with advice from other professionals.

What are the contact details for local services and support groups for families?https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/schoolsandlearning/ils/parentpartnership/

Families Information | Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/send

How will the school prepare and support my child to join our feeder school for the next stage of education?
We work closely with our associate high schools (UCC, QEGS and occasionally Appleby Grammar).

Annual visits by high school staff to us and by children in Y5/6 to the high schools are arranged. When staff visit us we pass on information about children and their needs and any programmes we have been using and our SENDCO meets with the high school’s SENDCO.

Discovery Day happens in the summer term and all children attend their High school for the day

Where necessary additional visits are made for children with SEND.  These would be arranged depending on the needs of the individual child.

We liaise carefully with any new schools to discuss children’s needs (e.g. if a family moves away).

Where can I find information on Cumbria’s Local Offer?

Families Information | Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer