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We aim to provide equality of opportunity and we recognise that
some children will need special consideration if they are to gain
access to the whole curriculum and fulfil their potential. The
school team aims to work with parents in assessing and supporting
the needs of individual children. In addition the governing body
has an ongoing role in reviewing and evaluating the approach to
special needs and the support provided.
The Local Education Authority (LEA) has a part to play. It directs
funding for special needs to schools and also sets out the criteria
for attainment that children have to meet in order to qualify for
support under the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs.
Similarly, the LEA indicates the amount and type of provision for
children with special needs. (Full details of these criteria are
available from the school office. The Special Needs Coordinator
(SENCO) will be happy to provide further clarification as necessary.)
At St Nicholas School we believe strongly in the importance
of early intervention and we delegate funding accordingly,
using effective measures for assessing the literacy skills
and targeting the needs of children in their early years
of schooling. We have teaching and learning assistants in
the Early Years to support literacy and other curriculum
areas. We also use structured teaching support for literacy
in the upper parts of the school, as well as assistants to
help support maths and other areas. The effectiveness of
our provision is reflected in the enthusiasm, confidence
and behaviour of our children, as well as their results in
national tests.
The adoption of a computer
program linked to the school’s information system
has helped with the management
of provision and record keeping. The professionalism of
the special needs team
and class teachers enables
our support system to operate well. Additionally we have
good, professional relationships
with many outside agencies
on whom we call for help and advice when necessary.
The SEN Policy is available from the school office and the
SENCO and any member of staff
will be happy to assist parents who have an interest in,
or have concerns about, our special
needs provision.
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