Sissinghurst (VA) Church of England Primary School is committed to providing an inclusive education for all young people, regardless of ability, gender, language, ethnic or cultural origin. We work effectively with a wide variety of agencies and individuals to focus on improving outcomes for all children with Special Educational Needs.

What are special needs?

Special educational needs could mean that a child has:

• learning difficulties – in acquiring basic skills in school

• emotional and behavioural difficulties – making friends or relating to adults or behaving properly in school

• specific learning difficulty – with reading, writing, number work or understanding information

• sensory or physical needs - such as hearing or visual impairment, which might affect them in school

• communication problems – in expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying

• medical or health conditions – which may slow down a child’s progress and/or involves treatment that affects his or her education.

Children make progress at different rates and have different ways in which they learn best. Teachers take account of this in the way they organise their lessons and teach. Children making slower progress or having particular difficulties in one area may be given extra help or different lessons to help them succeed.

At Sissinghurst Primary School we are committed to:

• Raising the standards of attainment for all SEN students through a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum that is differentiated to meet individual learning styles.

• Creating a climate where all staff are aware that they are responsible for students with SEN and plan their lessons accordingly.

Please see inclusion section of website for details of how we provide for SEND needs at Sissinghurst School.

What is a SENCO?

A SENCO is a qualified teacher who oversees the strategic development of SEN policy and provision and as such forms part of the wider leadership team. In addition, they ensure the implementation of the SEN policy on a day-to-day basis.

They are a key point of contact for colleagues and can offer support and advice for the identification of needs and suitable provision to meet those needs. Through provision management they will maintain an overview of the progress of pupils with SEND and will seek to develop practice to ensure the effectiveness of interventions and support.

A SENCO coordinates provision across the school and is often a good person for parents of children who have special or additional needs to speak with for advice.  Regarding individual children, it is usually the class teacher who parents should speak with regarding any matters about learning and how their child is getting on in school.

Our SENCO is Mrs Anna Wolfe and you can contact her via the school office or book for a call or meeting in one of her termly drop ins from 1-3pm.

If you have any concerns or complaints about the support we provide, please speak with your child's class teacher or the SENCO initially to help assist you.  If this does not resolve your concern, then please refer to our complaints procedure (see the policy page).