Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Admission Arrangements for Children with SEND:

Heron Way Primary School welcomes applications from all families. Admissions follow the school’s published arrangements, and a child is not treated less favourably because they are disabled. When a child is joining us, we work with their family, previous setting, the local authority and relevant professionals to understand their needs and plan any reasonable adjustments from the outset. For a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the local authority consults the school as part of the statutory process for naming a placement.

Adaptation:

At Heron Way, inclusion means that children can belong, participate and succeed across school life. Teachers adapt everyday teaching through approaches such as visual supports, clear and manageable instructions, additional processing time, flexible ways to record work and assistive technology. Where a child needs more, we work with them and their family to plan support through our graduated response and review its impact.

We plan access to trips, residential visits, clubs, sport, performances and leadership opportunities. This may involve reasonable adjustments, an individual risk assessment, specialist advice or planning with parents so that a child can take part safely and meaningfully. We listen to pupils’ views and consider their dignity, independence and connection with their peers when making decisions.

Facilities:

We make practical changes to the environment, equipment and information according to individual needs. These include adapted seating and writing equipment, assistive technology and iPads used for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). 

We plan for safe access around the school and put Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in place where a pupil’s physical or cognitive needs affect evacuation. Our Accessibility Plan explains how we review and improve access to the school environment, curriculum and information.