SEND Information

Welcome to Our New SENCO: Emily Cook

We are delighted to welcome Emily Cook to our school community as our new Assistant Headteacher and SENCO! Emily brings a decade of experience in primary education, including four years serving as SENCO and Inclusion Lead at a wonderful church school in Hammersmith and Fulham. She is passionate about ensuring every child is supported to reach their full potential and is already feeling right at home, sharing that St Stephen's "already feels like such a special place" with its vibrant community and friendly staff team.

Outside of school, Emily is a yoga enthusiast and teacher, and she recently returned from a memorable summer trip to Borneo, where she got to see orangutans in the wild!

Emily is looking forward to partnering with our families to ensure our provision continues to build each child up in love and learning. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your child's learning and support needs, you can reach her directly by email at sen@st-stephens.richmond.sch.uk.

Please join us in giving Emily a very warm welcome!

Upcoming Parent Webinars from ADHD Embrace

We are pleased to share two valuable online seminars hosted by ADHD Embrace this September, designed to offer practical guidance and deeper understanding for parents and carers supporting children with ADHD.

Masking in ADHD

- Date & Time: Tuesday 15th September, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Online)
- Speaker: Dr Dana Dazmic (Neurodiversity Consultant & ADHD Coach)
- What to expect: An insightful exploration into why young people with ADHD mask their traits to fit in, the emotional and psychological impact of long-term masking, and how it affects relationships across family, school, and social settings. Dr Dazmic will share practical ways parents and carers can create safe, supportive spaces where children feel comfortable being themselves.

Understanding Sensory Needs and Supporting ADHDers

- Date & Time: Tuesday 29th September, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Online)
- Speaker: Karen Garner (Occupational Therapist & Specialist in Sensory Integration)
- What to expect: Learn how to identify and support your child's unique sensory needs. This session looks at how sensory processing impacts attention, emotional regulation, and daily participation, equipping you with strategies to offer the best support at home and school.

How to Book: Places for both webinars can be booked directly online via the ADHD Embrace Webinars Page.

SEND Advice & Support: Skylarks Micro-Talks

If you need guidance navigating your child's education or special educational needs, local charity Skylarks runs a fantastic series of interactive, small-group online sessions called Micro-Talks.

Led by experts, these friendly and welcoming sessions give you the practical knowledge you need to support your child, as well as a space to ask questions directly.

Topics covered include:

Support for School Attendance: Advice and legal requirements for children who struggle to attend traditional school settings.
SEND Support in Nurseries & Schools: Understanding what support schools should provide without an EHCP and your child's rights under the Equality Act.
Navigating the EHCP Process: Step-by-step guidance on parental requests, handling Local Authority refusals, checking draft EHCPs, and understanding annual reviews.
Appeals & Tribunals: Practical advice on what to do if you need to appeal a Local Authority decision.

How to Book: To explore the full timetable of live online sessions and reserve your place, please visit the Skylarks SEND Advice Service.

Page updated

Report abuse