Our School works closely with all Nursery and Pre-school settings. Any children starting in Reception with an additional need will receive a visit from the SENDCo and Foundation Stage Teacher in their last term at Pre-School followed by a transition meeting.

Pre-School staff and the SENDCo are then able to discuss appropriate strategies to support these children in school. The Foundation Stage Teachers also have individual meetings with all parents of the children starting in September. For children entering other Year groups at different times, other than September (Non-Routine Admissions), children and their parents will always be invited to visit St Nicholas beforehand. The SENCo will then liaise with the child’s previous school to establish if any specialist provision is required to support the child.

In order to provide the appropriate support when he /she arrives in our school, information will be shared with relevant staff to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

In preparation for the transition to High School  in the Summer Term of Year 6, the SENDCo will meet with the SENDCo or designated teacher from the High School to discuss individual pupils and their needs. All children are invited to a ‘taster day’ at their allocated High School. Additional visits are planned for those children who require them, in order to familiarise themselves with their new school environment and arrangements. The SENDCo and Parents (if necessary) are always welcome on these visits too.

Following Teacher Assessments, ‘Pupil Progress meetings’ are held between the Classteacher and the Deputy Headteacher every half-term.  During this meeting, the progress of all children is discussed. For some children, who may not be making expected progress, intervention will be discussed and implemented if need be. For other children, it may be appropriate for school to seek advice from outside agencies. In these cases, parental consent will always be sought. The SENDCo will be pleased to support parents with any appointments and attend with them if requested.

Some of our children will require a Learning Support Plan. This is written with the Classteacher and SENDCo and shared with parents. The Plan will be reviewed at least every term and parents are invited to discuss the provision and targets for their child’s needs. Once the new targets have been agreed and appropriate interventions and support discussed, parents will receive a copy of the new and updated Support Plan.

There may be other times throughout the year when teachers have concerns regarding a child who may have, or develop an additional need. In this case, they will discuss these concerns initially with the SENDCo, who will then invite the parents into school to discuss a plan of action. Should a child then be placed on the SEND register parental consent will always be asked.

All parents are invited to attend Consultations (Parent’s Evenings) and these meetings provide Parents with detailed reports on their child’s progress at the end of each term.  The SENDCo is always available, in addition to the Class teacher, on these occasions to meet with parents where necessary.

The teachers and SENDCo are also available at other times to discuss any concerns with parents. A mutually convenient time for this meeting can be arranged and if appropriate, other professionals may be invited.