Embedded Files
Hello, everyone!
As another term reaches its end, it is always useful to reflect on the successes, whilst working hard to ensure that we continue to improve. It has been an extremely rewarding yet incredidly busy term for SEND and the staff have continued to work incredibly hard to meet the needs of SEND children in their care.
Miss A Burton
Aston Lodge SENDCo
aburton@astonlodgeprimary.org
The Aston lodge Way
The Aston lodge Way
The children are motivated by our Aston Lodge Way. We celebrate this every Monday by awarding children with Class Dojo certificates, bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards. The children are also encouraged to share (during this assembly) any out of school achievements that they have had.
Updates
Interventions
As a school, we endeavour to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have the best possible outcomes and make the best possible progress.
We are rigorous in providing support, offering a range of interventions both before and after school. This term, we have delivered a wide range of interventions across all year groups, including SALT, phonics, maths, reading, and writing.
All interventions have been very well attended, and we are extremely proud of the children’s commitment and hard work.
Student Leadership
At our school, pupils have many opportunities to take part in student leadership, including the School Council, With Me in Mind Ambassador, Eco Committee, and Sports Leaders. These roles help children to develop important leadership skills, build confidence, and have a voice in shaping school life. We are proud to see our pupils take on these responsibilities and contribute positively to our school community.
Hamish and Milo
This term, we were delighted to get our Hamish and Milo sessions up and running.
Hamish and Milo is an evidence-based wellbeing and social–emotional learning (SEMH) intervention designed to support children in understanding and managing their emotions. Many of our pupils are already experiencing the positive impact of the programme.
The intervention is delivered twice weekly by our highly experienced practitioner, Mrs Fearn, who is our Hamish and Milo Lead.
Sport
Our pupils have continued to engage enthusiastically in a range of sport enrichment activities as part of our wider curriculum.
This term, a group of pupils took part in a bowling competition and achieved an amazing 1st place. We are incredibly proud of their teamwork and determination.
Children have also enjoyed trying parkour, using the environment creatively as a form of gymnastics. Every child completed the parkour circuit in under 20 seconds, which is a fantastic achievement!
In addition, our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils took part in an inter-school hockey competition, giving them the opportunity to practise their hockey skills and enjoy the sport alongside pupils from other schools.
Well done to all pupils involved for their effort, confidence and enthusiasm.
Y6 Reading Buddies
Our Year 6 pupils have been trained to support Year 1 children with their reading through our Reading Buddies programme.
This initiative not only helps younger pupils to become more confident and skilled readers, but also provides Year 6 children with the opportunity to develop their leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. It’s been wonderful to see both year groups benefiting from this supportive and collaborative experience.
Anne Frank Workshop
Year 6 pupils took part in a practical workshop delivered by the Anne Frank Trust, focusing on learning about discrimination and the importance of equality and respect.
Pupils engaged in thoughtful discussions and activities, reflecting on how to challenge prejudice and promote understanding in their own lives.
James Brunt Artist Workshop
As part of Rotherham being named the UK Capital of Culture 2025, our pupils took part in an artist workshop with James Brunt.
Working collectively, the children created art inspired by nature, exploring creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
This hands-on experience allowed pupils to engage with art in an exciting and meaningful way, celebrating both creativity and the local cultural heritage.
Rocksteady Band Workshop
This term, pupils took part in a Rocksteady Band workshop, where they had the opportunity to form a band and explore the different instruments available.
The workshop helped children develop teamwork and performance skills, and introduced them to the exciting world of music-making.
There are also future opportunities for pupils to learn an instrument and join the band, allowing them to continue developing their musical skills and confidence.
Trips
This term, our SEND pupils have also benefited from a range of enriching trips and experiences that support their personal development, confidence and independence.
Children have visited Austerfield, explored Eden Camp, taken part in outdoor activities at Ulley, attended Crucial Crew, and challenged themselves on the climbing wall. Each of these experiences has given pupils the opportunity to learn in different environments, build teamwork skills, and enjoy hands-on activities.
These enrichment opportunities reflect the wider Wickersley Partnership Trust offer, ensuring that all children—regardless of need or ability—have access to high-quality, inclusive experiences that help them grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Drama
This term, the focus in careers education was Drama. Pupils engaged in a variety of drama activities as part of their English reading lessons, exploring storytelling, performance, and communication skills. These activities help children to see how creative skills link to potential careers.
We are also looking forward to the Drama After School Club, which will start after Christmas, giving pupils further opportunities to develop their confidence and creativity.
Staff Training
Our staff have also continued to develop their expertise to ensure we provide the highest standard of support for our SEND pupils.
This term, staff took part in sensory training delivered by the Rotherham Specialist Inclusion Team, focusing on how to better understand and meet the sensory needs of children in school. Following the training, staff worked collaboratively to create sensory passports for identified pupils, ensuring that their individual needs are recognised and supported consistently across the school day.
This ongoing professional development helps us to provide a more responsive, inclusive and nurturing environment for all children.
Termly SEND Review Meetings
This term, we have held our termly SEND review meetings to monitor and celebrate the progress of our pupils. We continue to work closely with external agencies, including the Specialist Inclusion Team and the Educational Psychology Service, to ensure that all children receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About FACE
Face Family Advice was set up to help parents like you. With the stresses and strains of modern life, our children and young adults have never been under more pressure. They aim to offer advice, tips and support to parents who want to get the best out of their family relationships and need new tools to do that.
Below is a copy of their most recent newsletter and timetable:
Family First / Net Mums
Click here to see the latest FREE issue of Family First.
Family First is a quarterly magazine specifically designed to improve the health of over 6,000,000 families across England, Scotland & Wales.
Ways to Support
Ways to Support
Here are some links and resources to help support children with SEND/SEMH.
Useful Links
The Worry Tree App- Worry Tree helps you to take control of your worries, transform your thoughts and feel better using CBT techniques and sensory practices.
Chill Panda - An app to support anxiety, worries, and calming strategies. Available on GooglePlay and AppStore.
Worry Monsters - these are recommended by psychologists and teachers to act as a 'waste bin' for fears, troubles and woes that children don't always talk about
who's who and what's what?
who's who and what's what?
Lindsey Mottram - School Inclusion Team, part of Rotherham's Inclusion Support Services
Dr Tamara Leon - (Locum) Educational Psychologist
With Me in Mind Rotherham - one of the nation Mental Health Support Teams based in Doncaster & Rotherham
Speech & Language Therapist - Rachael Hunt
Rotherham SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
Page updated
Report abuse