Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The information included on this page and in these policies is St Mary’s own offer of support for pupils with SEN and disabilities and this forms part of Dorset’s Local Offer.

You can search for services and activities on the Dorset Family Information Directory site. We are an inclusive school that welcomes and celebrates diversity.  All staff believe having high self-esteem is crucial to a child’s emotional well-being and academic progress. We have a caring, understanding team who look after all of our children.

Special Educational Needs Annual Report 2022 can be found here.

Accessibility policy  can be found on the school policies page.

Supporting pupils with medical conditions: see the Medicines and Medical Conditions Policy on the school policies page.

Intimate Care Policy is on the school policies page.

Equality information and action plan can be found on the school policies page.

SEN Code of Practice can be found here.

At St Mary’s School we have high aspirations for all children identified as having Special Educational Needs and Difficulties (SEND) in our school. We strive to ensure that all children achieve their best, that they become confident individuals living fulfilling lives, and make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further or higher education or training.  We work in close partnership with parents to put the children at the heart of all we do. We show sensitivity, honesty and mutual respect in encouraging children to share concerns, discuss strategies and see themselves as equal partners with the school. We involve them in making decisions where possible right from the start of their education. We aim to deliver the highest quality education that will ensure they reach their full potential and prepare them for adult life. This policy complies with the statutory requirement laid out in the SEND Code of Practice 0 – 25 (2014).

Additional and/or different provision is currently being made in school for children with a range of needs, including:

  1. Cognition and Learning – Moderate learning difficulties; Specific learning difficulties – dyslexia, dyspraxia.
  2. Sensory, Medical and Physical – hearing and sight impairment and sensory processing difficulties
  3. Communication and Interaction – autistic spectrum condition, Asperger’s Syndrome, speech and language difficulties.
  4. Social, Emotional and Mental Health – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Details of support available and processes relating to this can be found at the top of this page in our SEND Information Report. Additional information can be found in our Special Education Needs and Disability Policy.

Our SEND Team

• Our team of Teaching Assistants have extensivexperience and training in planning, delivering and assessing intervention programmes. The teaching assistants and SENCO meet at least once per half term to review and plan for interventions.
• All our staff are trained each year on the needs of new pupils joining the school – this can include training from specialist agencies or consultants, as well as from our Inclusion Leader or other staff with relevant expertise.
• SEND training forms part of the continuing professional development of all teachers and teaching assistants and is organised in accordance with the needs of our children.
• The school SENCO works closely with other local schools, sharing training opportunities; meeting with outside experts.
• The SENCO meets with the senior leadership team once per half term to review and plan the training, guidance and advice that staff across the school need to ensure they meet the additional learning requirements of our children.

Contact Details

SENCO: Mrs Meteau
E-mail: office@stmarysswanage.dorset.sch.uk
Telephone: 01929 424909

Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)

What is an EHCP and who is it for? A helpful guide for parents and carers: watch on YouTube

The EHCP Process – Flow Chart PDF 

Dorset For You – EHCP  
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/what-is-an-education-health-and-care-ehc-plan

Dorset Special Educational Needs Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
SENDIASS is a free, impartial and confidential service that provides information, advice and support to:

  • children and young people aged from 0 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND)
  • parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

Website: http://www.dorsetsendiass.co.uk/
Phone: 01305 595477
Email: dorset.sendiass@family-action.org.uk

this page was last updated on 30 January 2022