SEND
All teachers have responsibility for children with special needs.
The SEND Co-ordinator is Gemma McIntyre-Lewis who can be contacted by phone on 01795 662875 or by email at hhsendco@tiltrust.org
SEND at Halfway Houses
Halfway Houses Primary School offers a holistic approach to pupil’s learning. We are an inclusive school that ensures all of our pupils have equal opportunities to accomplish their full potential and ‘to be the best you can be’.
The Code of Practice (2015) states: All children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make progress so that they:
"Can achieve their best.
Become confident individuals living fulfilling lives.
Make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further or higher education or training (6.1)"
It also states that schools must use their best endeavours to make sure that a child with SEN gets the support they need – this means doing everything they can to meet children and young people’s SEN (6.2).
At Halfway Houses, we will refer to the Mainstream Core Standards. This is provision that the local area expects to be made available for children with SEND needs. You can find them here.
Our Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is Mrs Lewis. A SENCo is a qualified teacher who oversee the strategic development and day-to-day implementation of SEN policy and provision.
SEND Information
Who are the best people to talk to at Halfway Houses Primary School about my child’s difficulties with learning/Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND)?
•Talk to us - in the first instance contact your child’s Class Teacher; if you still have concerns you can contact the SENDCo Gemma Lewis, Pastoral Support Worker Rebecca Hoggins or our Family Liaison Officer (FLO) Helen Potts.
•We pride ourselves on building positive relationships with parents. We are open and honest with parents and hope that they are able to do the same with us.
How does Halfway Houses Primary School ensure that children who need extra help are identified early?
At Halfway Houses Primary School, we monitor the progress of all pupils three times a year during pupil progress meetings. Class Teachers will refer to the Trust SEND/AEN Moderation Form, children are identified as having special educational needs through a variety of ways including the following: -
•Your child is performing below age related levels.
•Concerns are raised by the Teacher, for example: behaviour or self-esteem that is affecting performance.
•Independent Speech and Language Assessment.
•Use of assessments in school including Salford reading assessments, Speech Link and Language Link (Infant), Phonics screening in Y1, termly assessments in Reading, Writing and Maths, SDQ, Boxall Profile and end of Key Stage SATS.
•Consultations between Class Teachers, Parents and members of the Leadership Team where progress data is discussed.
•Liaison with external agencies e.g. Specialist Teacher Service, NHS Speech and Language, Educational Psychology Service.
•Health diagnosis, particularly where this impacts on learning, through a Paediatrician.
Your child may be placed on the SEND register as EHCP (Education and Healthcare Plan) or SEND support where your child may be receiving extra interventions to help them catch up with their peers. We also keep a register (AEN) for children who may be vulnerable to under achieving so that we can put the right interventions in to minimise barriers to learning.
How will the school let me know I am concerned about my child’s progress at school?
•The Class Teacher will contact parents at least twice a year to discuss your child’s needs, support and progress.
•Class Teachers are always happy to discuss your child’s needs if you have questions and concerns in between more formal meetings.
•An appointment can be made with the SENDCo, Family Liaison Officer or Pastoral Support Worker to discuss more support if necessary.
For further information please read our SEND Information Report.
To see some of the provision we offer our pupils, please click here on our Provision Page.
Paediatric referrals
SEND Parent Meetings
At Halfway Houses, we offer SEND Parent Group Meetings once a term. The meetings are usually held in the afternoon for one hour and are informal. We have had some great guest speakers also attend like ADHD Sheppey, Autism Apprentice and Forest Autism Support. Other times we discuss SEN updates, common barriers children are currently facing. Parents have also suggested topics or charities they would be interested in speaking with. If you would like to attend, please get in contact with Mrs Lewis who will share the next date.
Support Links for Parent
The Local Offer – Each county will have a local offer that gives children, young people and their families information about support services available in their area.
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs#local-offer
Parent workshops about SEND – The MIDAS centre offers parent workshops about specific conditions, diagnoses and barriers to the child or young person’s life. Workshops could cover ASC, ADHD, Sleep support or Anxiety.
https://www.meadowfield.kent.sch.uk/midas-and-stls/parent-courses-and-bookings-2/
Other links that could support:
NELFT
NELFT NHS provides an extensive range of integrated community and mental health services.
https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/what-is-cypmhs
Iask
Iask will give free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for children, young people up to age 25, parent and carers.
For us too
For us too is a charity that supports families with days out, drop-in groups and stay-and-play sessions in the summer.
Holding On Letting Go
Bereavement support for children, young people and their families.
