St Bernard's Preparatory School

Schools extended Local Offer response

Special Educational Needs policy

• There is a named Governor who is responsible for SEND. The SEND Governor meets regularly with the SENDCo to discuss SEND matters, SEND policy and SEND practice. 
• The Governing Body takes responsibility for the strategic leadership of SEND alongside the SENDCo and Senior Leadership Team.
• The SENDCo reports to the Governors on a regular basis.
• The Governors monitor the implementation of the SEND policy and review the policy regularly alongside the SENDCo.

Check St Bernards Preparatory School SEND policy.

Teaching and learning

• Class teachers and the SENDCo are available to discuss progress made and to plan for future learning.
• Areas for development are shared with both parents and children.
• If a child needs additional support then teachers, parents and pupils will develop a plan of action based on specific targets. We follow a cycle of Assess, Plan, Do, Review in order to monitor the progress of each child.
• The class teacher alongside the SENDCo monitors progress and plans for future learning.
• Review meetings happen twice yearly and include parents, the child (where appropriate), teachers and other professionals.
• For every child we measure progress against national standards. 

Identifying and assessing Special Educational Needs

• At St Bernard’s Preparatory School we offer a broad, balanced, creative curriculum. All teachers ensure that the planned work takes into consideration the individual needs of the children in their class. Class work is differentiated accordingly and teachers are skilled in the manner in which they address individual needs.
• Individual targets are set for children and learning is personalised. Targets are reviewed regularly and are shared with the children and with parents.

Involving parents and children/young people in planning and reviewing progress

• The class teacher will meet with parents at least once a term to discuss progress made and areas for development. This may include discussion about individual needs, the support given in school and guidance on how to consolidate learning at home.
• The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo), Ms A Underwood, is always available to answer any questions. Concerns can be raised and discussed at any time. Appointments with the SENDCo can be made through the school office. 
• We pride ourselves on our relationships with parents and we are happy to answer any questions. If a meeting is requested, we aim to arrange that meeting within 48 hours.
• We have a very positive approach to behaviour management with clear reward systems in place. Our expectations are high and we work with the children to promote self-discipline and responsibility. 

Additional support

• We closely monitor the progress that all children make. We identify children who may need extra support or extension and act accordingly.
• We use data to track children’s progress and this assists us in planning the ‘next steps’ for each individual child.  
• Regular Parents Meetings, reports and our Open Door Policy mean that parents are well informed of their child’s progress.
• We liaise with outside agencies as appropriate.

Extra activities

• We are a highly inclusive school and work to ensure that every child receives the same opportunities.
• Every child in our school receives a well-balanced and thoroughly planned curriculum and this can include educational excursions and visits.  
• Some children may require additional support whilst participating in an educational excursion.
• For each trip a risk assessment is compiled and this ensures individual health and safety needs are acknowledged.  
• In the event that it is considered unsafe for a child to take part in an activity/excursion reasons will be discussed fully with parents. 

Meeting social and emotional needs of children/young people

• Pupil voice is acknowledged and listened to.
• We have a School Council and an Eco-Council. The views of our children are sought through questionnaires, through discussions in assemblies and through our Spirituality Audit.
• Children have a role in setting targets and reviewing the progress that they have made.  They are encouraged to self-reflect in lessons and to engage in discussions with their peers and adults within school.
• We invite children to their SEND Review Meetings.
• Children are able to talk to any member of staff within school.

Keeping up to date with knowledge and skills

• All teaching staff are trained to teach children of varying abilities.
• We have a specialist teacher who can give additional support to children if required. This specialist teaching comes at an additional cost to parents.
• All staff are regularly updated, trained and advised in changes to SEND policy and practice.
• Regular INSET training is provided for all staff by the SENDCo.
• The SENDCo addresses individual training needs and mentorship of new teachers as required.

Helpful contacts

• Your first point of contact is the child’s class teacher.
• You may also wish to contact the SENDCo, Ms A Underwood. The SENDCo can be contacted via the school office.
• Our school website provides some information regarding to SEND policy and procedures.

If you are considering whether your child should join the school, please contact the school office to arrange a visit or to arrange a meeting with the Headteacher or SENDCo.