Embedded Files
Hello!
My name is Mrs Smith and I am the Class 16 teacher, Assistant Head and SENDCO.
What is a SENDCO?
We are responsible for the operation of the SEND Policy and coordination of specific provisions made to support individual children with SEND. The staff team at Monkwood Primary work hard to monitor students’ progressand where it is felt that a child may need additional support, interventions are planned and put in place. As members of the SENDCO team, we also liaise with external agencies in order to create a team behind the child.
If you have any questions - please do not hestitate to contact us through the school office.
Mrs L Smith
Assistant Headteacher & SENDCO
esmith@monkwoodprimary.org
With Me in Mind
With Me in Mind
As part of our ongoing partnership with With Me in Mind, we were delighted to welcome their team into school to deliver a workshop for parents focused on building confidence and developing self-esteem in children.
The session offered valuable insights into how parents can support their child’s emotional wellbeing at home, with practical tips on encouraging positive self-talk, celebrating small successes, and fostering a growth mindset. It was a fantastic opportunity for parents to ask questions, share experiences, and gain reassurance in a supportive environment. We’re grateful to With Me in Mind for helping us strengthen the home-school connection in promoting mental health and resilience.
We are excited to announce the appointment of our new With Me in Mind Ambassadors, who will be leading important mental health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the school starting this September. These children showed great enthusiasm by nominating themselves for the role, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting their peers and promoting a positive school culture.
Their official introduction to the whole school community will take place at the start of the new academic year, where they will begin their important work encouraging open conversations around confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have!
integrated resources
integrated resources
This year has been incredibly successful as we’ve continued to work closely alongside our trust provisions - Magna Lane, The Orchard, and Woodland View. Through strong collaboration and shared expertise, we have been able to provide targeted support and tailored learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Regular communication and joint initiatives have enriched our inclusive approach, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent care for students across settings. We are proud of the positive impact this partnership has had on pupil progress and wellbeing, and we look forward to building on this foundation in the coming year.
SEND Resources
SEND Resources
To further support the wellbeing and regulation of all pupils, we’ve recently purchased a range of sensory resources for use across the school. These include fidget tools, textured items, and calming aids to help children stay focused and feel comfortable in their learning environment. Among the favourites are the new weighted sloth and platypus, which have definitely gone down a treat with the pupils!
These resources are already proving to be a valuable addition to classrooms, helping children to self-regulate, manage their emotions, and engage more positively with their learning throughout the day.
Core learning
Core learning
In preparation for the new academic year, we have invested in a range of new maths and writing resources designed to support all learners in the classroom. These carefully selected materials will help teachers deliver engaging, accessible lessons that meet the varied needs of their pupils.
From hands-on manipulatives and visual aids in maths to structured writing tools and scaffolds; the new resources aim to boost confidence, promote independence, and enhance progress for every child. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning experiences across the school.
praise and reward
praise and reward
Over the past few weeks, many pupils have been excited to spend their hard-earned reward points on a variety of fun and engaging activities.
Some enjoyed baking sessions with Mrs Whitehead, where the cookies they made were absolutely amazing and enjoyed by all! Others chose a relaxing film afternoon, perfect for unwinding and enjoying time with friends.
Meanwhile, pupils who saved over 350 points earned a special day out at Rosehill Park with the POPs team, filled with outdoor adventures and team-building activities. It’s been wonderful to see the children making positive choices and celebrating their achievements in such enjoyable ways.
monkwood's got talent
monkwood's got talent
Monkwood’s Got Talent was an unforgettable celebration of creativity and skill, showcasing incredible talent from across the entire school.
From singers and dancers to sportpeople and comedians, every performance was met with cheers and applause, highlighting just how incredilbly talented our students are.
The event was brilliantly hosted by our very own Ant and Dec, who kept the energy high and the audience entertained throughout -they were truly amazing! It was a fantastic afternoon, that brought everyone together to celebrate the unique talents that make Monkwood so special.
SPORT
SPORT
Pupils recently took part in an exciting Sports Day, where they had the opportunity to showcase and develop their skills across a wide range of physical activities. From traditional races to team games and field events, every child was encouraged to take part, try their best, and support their peers. The day not only promoted physical fitness and healthy competition, but also helped pupils build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. It was fantastic to see so many children discovering new talents and enjoying the spirit of sport in a fun and inclusive environment.
As part of our transition programme, Mr Hill has designed a series of engaging activities focused on team building and resilience. These sessions aim to help pupils develop strong relationships with their classmates while building essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and perseverance. Through fun, collaborative challenges, students are encouraged to work together, support one another, and reflect on how they respond to setbacks. These activities not only help ease the transition into a new class but also lay the groundwork for a positive and supportive learning environment in the year ahead.
tRANSITION
tRANSITION
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), we have implemented a carefully planned transition process to help ease the move between classes.
This includes additional opportunities for students to meet their new teachers, explore their new classrooms, and become familiar with any changes in routine or environment. A key element of this is the “additional look around” sessions, which allow SEND pupils to tour the school in a quieter setting, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence ahead of the new academic year.
These tailored experiences ensure that every child feels prepared, supported, and ready to thrive in their new setting.
Coffee & catch up ☕
Coffee & catch up ☕
We are excited to invite parents and carers to our upcoming SEND Coffee and Catch Up afternoon on October 20th at 2:50pm.
This informal event is a great opportunity to meet with members of the SEND team, ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about the support available for children with additional needs. It’s also a chance to connect with other families and enjoy a relaxed chat over a cup of coffee. We value your input and look forward to working together to ensure the best outcomes for all our pupils. We hope to see you there!
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?
Rotherham SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
Autism Information and Advice Service - 01709 336404
You must have an Autism diagnosis, or have been accepted on to the Autism Pathway to attend the Autism training courses (not Teenlife - need diagnosis)
Chat n Chill Youth Club - 01709 559805 or email georgina@kimberworthpark.org
Tumbi/Elephants Instep Youth Club - Tumbi 8-12yrs and Elephants 13+ based at Dalton Youth Club once a month. For more information, please contact: claire.haddon@rotherham.gov.uk
Page updated
Report abuse