Term 5 was short but lots happened. At the beginning of term members of the Senior Leadership Team met with teachers to review the progress of all pupils. This was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the progress of all pupils across the school, including those with SEND. This progress is not restricted to core curriculum areas, although we do look carefully at Reading, Writing and maths. While some of our pupils with SEND make smaller steps of progress in those core areas they can often make huge strides in other areas. These include their social skills, emotional literacy, self-help skills, communication, speech and the ability to regulate their behaviour. The whole staff team at OVPA work tirelessly and go 'above and beyond' to bring about this progress and achievement. I'm sure you will join with me in recognising and thanking them for all that they do - it is beyond outstanding! The Pupil Progress Meetings are an important part of making this happen, so that no child is missed. We discuss groups and individuals that require a change of focus, or additional support, to keep them moving forward and making progress. This informs teacher's planning and pupil plans - leading to even better outcomes.

I hope you found the Pupil Consultations this term useful and had the opportunity to discuss the plan and support that is in place for your child. Pupil Plans are currently being reviewed and copies will be sent home in Term 6. If there is anything you are unsure about, or would like to discuss further, please make an appointment for an Inclusion Consultation with me or Mrs Foster.

In Term 6 we will be ensuring that all of our children have the best transition possible, whether they are coming into our new Reception Class, moving up a year or heading on to secondary school. There will be meetings, transition visits, transition days, Transition Leaflets and more. Keep a close eye on Dojo for updates on what is happening and when.

CLASS+ works across East Sussex to support families/carers of Autistic children and young people. This includes those on the diagnosis pathway.

We provide advice and support that:

• Enables families/carers to develop their knowledge and understanding of Autism

• Helps families/carers develop their confidence around how to best to support their neurodivergent child

• Allows families/carers to build on their child’s strengths, confidence, and self-esteem

The team is part of the wider CLASS service and focus on home - based concerns.

What CLASS+ offer

• Monday advice line 10am - 1pm

• Signposting

• Phone consultations

• Virtual calls

• Coffee and Chat sessions for parents/carers

• Workshops for parents/carers

• Short pieces of personalised guidance around a specific home-based issue

How parents/carers can access support from CLASS+

Parents and carers can contact CLASS+ on 01273 336 887 or via email - class@eastsussex.gov.uk

Parents and carers can also access the SEND East Sussex Facebook page for more information.

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex

Your child or young person does not need to have a formal diagnosis to get support from Amaze though some of their services have rules about who is eligible. 

Here is a link to a video that will tell you more:  Amaze

Their website can be found here