Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Whittingham Primary Academy we ensure that all pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are supported, regardless of their specific needs, to make the best possible progress and achieve their potential in school. We ensure that all children are included in all areas of the curriculum, with the needs of SEND pupils carefully considered. At Whittingham Primary Academy we have a graduated approach to SEND, ensuring early identification of needs and a continuum of support for children in order to enable them to make progress. Please refer to our SEND Policy, which outlines the purpose, nature and management of special educational needs within our school. 

At Whittingham Primary Academy, approximately 13% of children are on the SEND register. We have a comprehensive intervention programme to ensure the needs of all learners are met. Across the school, our teachers and teaching assistants are trained to provide interventions, where necessary, covering various curriculum areas.

These include: 

• Maths and English Support
• Speech, Language and Communication Support
• Social and Emotional Literacy Support
• Gross and Fine Motor Support

Throughout the year, we will provide various workshops for all parents on how to support their children with their learning. These can include phonics, maths and language and communication sessions. We also provide information and coffee mornings for parents of children with SEND. 

As part of the Local Offer, we have support from our Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and School Nurse. We also receive support from the Autism and Early Years Intervention Team and the Behaviour Intervention Team as part of our extended SEND support. 

Follow this link: Waltham Forest’s Local Offer to gain a better understanding of the Local Offer.

We have a SEND Governor who supports the school in ensuring we meet the needs of all children with additional and special needs. Our SEND Governor is David Booth.
 
The information on our website complies with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014 and is in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014. This information is updated annually and any change to information occurring during the year is updated as soon as possible. 

Alternatively, you can contact our SEND coordinator, Rukmini Dasgupta via email on office@whittinghamprimaryacademy.org.uk

The Local Authority will send the school copies of the child’s most recent EHCP which outlines the child’s needs. The school will assess the child’s needs and will consult with the local authority to determine whether the school can meet the child’s needs.

 We strongly encourage parents of children with EHCPs to visit the school and speak with the SENDCo if you are thinking of naming us in your child’s plan. This will allow us the opportunity to meet and discuss any questions and concerns you want to address in order for you to determine the most appropriate setting for your child.

If your child has additional needs or has SEND but no EHCP, please apply via the local authority route’s normal admissions procedure. We still strongly encourage you to visit the school to have the appropriate discussions about your child’s needs and the suitability of the school to support your child.

The links below provide further information from the local authority as well as parent support and information:

SEND Code of Practice

Waltham Forest SEND Local offer

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service: Waltham Forest

Flourish is an outreach team supporting schools and families to ensure best possible life chances for children with SEND