SEN
At Maldon Primary School we know that we are all important. We understand that our children come to school with different experiences, challenges and that they each learn in different ways, therefore, inclusion is fundamental to our values. We have high expectations of every child and believe that everyone deserves to receive a rich and varied curriculum, which strives to raise the confidence and aspirations of every child.
At Maldon Primary School, all of our staff are committed to supporting our children with additional needs and challenges, and we are passionate about ensuring that all children get the very most out of their experiences at school. It is the school’s belief that provision for children with special educational needs is a matter for the school as a whole.
Through high-quality teaching, support, nurture and understanding, we believe that every child can achieve their full potential.
The SENDCo at Maldon Primary School is Mrs Tyler.
The Interim SENDCo is Ms K Tanqueray.
How does the school know if my child needs extra help?
Class teachers continually monitor the learning of the pupils in their class to ensure that progress is being made. Where a member of staff is concerned, they will liaise with the SENDCo. The SENDCo analyses progress and attainment data which informs our termly pupil progress meetings. These meetings are held with the classsteacher, SLT and SENDCo to discuss individual children's needs. Where concerns are raised, the SENDCo will monitor and assess a child where needed, and further action will be taken as appropriate.
What should I do if I think my child has SEN?
Talk to us. Start by talking to your child’s class teacher to discuss your concerns. The teacher may then liaise with the SENDCo. You can also contact the SENDCo, Mrs Tyler, directly via the school office.
My child is starting at Maldon Primary School in the Early Years, how will you support my child?
Maldon Primary school takes a proactive approach to the transition from the pre-school setting to Early Years (Reception) class. The transition process consists of home visits and communication with the nurseries, also outside agencies where appropriate, prior to your child joining us in September. Some children already have an EHCP in place when they join us, whereas others might not have had any outside agency intervention despite having SEND. In any case, consideration is given to the needs of the child and support will be given to provide your child with the best possible school experience.
How do teachers track the progress of children with SEND?
Teachers are constantly monitoring and assessing all children in their class to ensure that progress is being made. Formal termly reading and maths assessments (PIRA and PUMA tests) are carried out to track progress, and the children’s writing is monitored through their English work.
When a child is placed on the SEND register, a One Plan meeting will take place to set individualised targets to support the child to make progress. These targets will be reviewed at least 3 times per year in a One Plan meeting with parents/ carers, the SENDCo and the class teacher. If your child has an EHCP, you will also have a termly meeting but one of these will be a more in depth meeting called an Annual Review.
These termly meetings are a good way for you to find out how the school is supporting your child and their needs, and for you to find out how your child is progressing.
How will the curriculum be matched to meet the needs of my child?
Teachers will plan their lessons to target a wide variety of needs within their class. Work will be differentiated to ensure that every child can access the learning and maximise the progress that they will make. Specific, individualised strategies may be put into place to support the needs of certain children.
What specialist services and expertise are available at, or accessed by, the school?
We work closely with, and have access to, a variety of external agencies that we feel are relevant to individual children’s needs.
What training do the staff supporting children in the school have?
We believe that it is important for all staff to have continuous professional development and training. Staff at Maldon Primary School have regular training sessions, delivered both in-house and by external experts, to target the wide variety of needs in our school.
Our SENDCo has attained the National Award in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination and she attends regular training to keep up to date with SEND research and initiatives.
How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom, including school trips?
All children are included in all parts of the school curriculum, including school trips. A risk assessment is always carried out prior to any off site visit, additional measures will be put in place to enable children with additional needs to participate fully and safely. Individual needs will also be discussed with parents if necessary.
How accessible is the school environment?
The school building is wheelchair accessible and we have disabled toilet facilities. We also have an allocated disabled parking space.
How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child will receive?
Decisions about how much and what type of support a child needs is made in consultation with a wide variety of people; including the SENDCo, class teachers, parents/carers and the child (where appropriate). There will also be times when we seek the advice of other professionals. We strive to meet the needs of all children who have SEND to the best of the school’s ability with the funds available. If a child has an EHCP, they will be supported according to the needs and provision stated on the EHCP.
Termly One Plan meetings and Annual Reviews allow us to assess the impact of support, and we will use this to inform planning for future provision. At Maldon Primary School, we aim to provide appropriate support needed for all children, with or without SEND.
Please contact the office if you have any further questions or if you would like to arrange a meeting with Mrs Tyler.
Essex Local Authority publishes the services that it provides for pupils with SEND through the Essex Local Offer.
