SEND
West Street Primary School & Nursery is a one form mainstream primary school with a Nursery for three and four year olds. We have been providing high standards of education to children, including those with SEND for over 100 years. We believe good practice for pupils with special educational needs is good practice for all, therefore we focus closely on good quality first teaching and adaptations for all.
Our school community aims to provide an education that develops all children to their full potential within a safe, happy and creative environment. We believe that people learn best in different ways. At our school, we provide a rich and varied learning environment that allows all children to develop their skills and abilities to their full potential.
We are committed to meeting the special educational needs of pupils and ensuring that they make good progress and reach their full potential. This is achieved through targeted and focused provision with maximum impact, building confidence and self-esteem. We aim to raise the aspirations of and expectations for all pupils with additional or special educational needs.
Who is the SENCO and how can parents contact them?
The school’s SENCO is Emily Robinson. She works in school part-time but can always be contacted by email: [email protected]
Alternatively, an appointment to see Mrs Robinson can be made via the school office by telephoning: 01282 865840
Mrs Robinson recently joined our school as SENCO. She received her National SENCO Award in 2019.
The Headteacher, Miss Sarah Watson, is a SEN Advocate and is more than happy to support and answer questions when needed.
For 2023 to 2024, there were 15 full-time and 4 part-time teaching assistants (TAs) working in school ensuring support in every class with some additional support to be deployed where and when the need arose including in-class support, the one-to-one delivery of SEN provision and small group interventions.
School have worked hard to set up specialist provision in KS1 and KS2. This provides children with high needs access to an environment with a high adult to pupil ratio, which is quieter than the main classroom. Within this provision, children have access to a personalised curriculum and a high level of 1:1 adult support. There is also a focus on developing SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health) needs and providing children with a space that they feel more comfortable to learn in.
We have invested in having access to an Educational Psychologist twice a half term. Helene Duerden, a designated Play Therapist, works in school for two days a week. These specialists provide support and advice when needed.
We also have regular support from Shannon O'Connor, an independent Speech and Language Therapist, who has trained staff in using Wellcomm and supports them in implementing various Speech and Language Plans. She works in school for one day a week.
In addition, a group of teachers and teaching assistants are trained in using Makaton to Level 1.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are welcomed and actively encouraged to go on all trips (including residential) and to attend all clubs. When appropriate, parents will be consulted from the planning stage so that all reasonable adaptations and adjustments are made to ensure that children with SEND can safely access and enjoy the social and skills development that such activities bring.
