SEND FAQs
Special Educational Needs and Disability – FAQs
Q: What is SEN / SEND?
A: SEN / SEND stands for Special Educational Needs/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. A pupil is deemed to have Special Educational Needs if they are finding it harder than other pupils to make progress. This may be due to a specific or moderate learning difficulty, a recognised disability such as hearing impairment, emotional or social difficulties, or speech and language difficulties. Some pupils will only be classified as SEND for a short time, others may remain so for the rest of their time in school. Swinnow Primary School has an SEN register which records all SEND pupils, and we track the progress of these pupils closely. ‘The SEND Code of Practice 2015’ and the ‘Children and Families Act 2014’ gives guidance to health and social care, education and local authorities to make sure that children and young people with SEND are properly supported.
Q: How is SEND Identified?
A: SEND can be identified at an early age, and for some pupils, it can emerge later. At Swinnow Primary School, Class Teachers will observe and monitor assessments of pupils regularly to identify students who may be making less progress than expected given their age and individual circumstances. Persistent patterns in behaviours may also be taken into consideration. If a child is a cause for concern they will be raised with the school’s SEND Co-ordinator (SENDCo).
Q: What should I do if I think my child has SEND?
A: If you think your child may have special educational needs, your first point of contact is with your child's Class Teacher. If however you have further concerns please do contact the SENDCo, Mrs Michelle Griffen on 0113 3783100 or by email info@swinnowprimary.com (adding ‘FAO Michelle Griffen’ to the subject bar).
Q: What is the Graduated Approach?
A: At Swinnow Primary School we instigate a Graduated Approach to supporting our SEND pupils, in line with the SEND Code of practice 2015. We will follow the four steps (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) and meet regularly with parents to involve them in the process. More info can be found in our Information report ‘our offer’ document.
Q: What is the school’s SEND policy and how do I find it?
A: The SEND policy is one of many policies the school has. It outlines the school’s values, visions and aims for children with extra support needs. It is reviewed every 2 years. It can be found on the school website on the SEN/Inclusion page.
Q: What is the SEND Information Report ‘our offer’ and where do I find it?
A: In short, the SEND Information Report ‘our offer’ outlines the school’s provision for pupils with SEND and how the school implements its SEND policy. It also explains, within the report, where the local authority’s local offer for SEND is published. The SEND Information Report for our school can be found on the school website on the SEN / Inclusion page.
Q: What is the Leeds local offer and where can I find out further information?
A: The Leeds Local Offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers in a single place. It shows families what they can expect from a range of local agencies including education, health and social care. The Leeds local offer can be viewed here: https://leedslocaloffer.org.uk