SEND

Contact –  nframe@staga.co.uk – 0191 565 8904

Please click on the links below to access information regarding Safer Schools

http://www.saferschools.org.uk/why-disability-matters-in-schools-fe-and-he-settings/

http://www.saferschools.org.uk/disability-matters/

SEND policy

St Anthony’s SEND Information Report 2023-2024

Accessibility Policy 2023-2024

INTENT 

What are we trying to achieve with and through our curriculum?

Develop our learner’s learning

To develop the appropriate subject specific knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum and beyond, so that children can flourish, reach and exceed their potential academically, physically and artistically.

Develop the character of our learners

To develop learners to have a holistic set of values that prepares students for adulthood and life in a diverse and ever changing community.  The ethos of the Academy is based upon the vision of Catherine McAuley founder of the Sisters of Mercy.

As a Mercy Academy our education vision and ethos is:

  • Christ Centred
  • Faith Enlightened
  • Show Concern for the Poor
  • Builds Communities
  • Pursues Excellence

Develop strategies and behaviours that enable out students to become effective learners

To develop the behaviours learners need to succeed in the world such as concentration, perseverance, imagination, co-operation, the enjoyment of learning, self-improvement and curiosity.

Develop the moral compass of our learners

To understand spirituality in themselves and others, develop social skills and understand society, build a firm set of personal morality, and to engage in the culture they live in and celebrate the cultures of others. St. Anthony’s is a place to nurture gospel values and be prepared for life outside of school, where students may grow in the light of the mercy tradition.

At St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy our curriculum is designed to ensure that all learners including SEND learners have high aspirations and are supported in reaching their potential.  Our curriculum aims to inspire a love of learning and challenge all of our students to develop their interpersonal skills, build resilience and become creative and critical thinkers.  We recognise that every student is a unique individual and we celebrate and welcome differences within our school community.  We believe that the ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, concepts and values. At St Anthony’s we provide enhancement and enrichment opportunities to engage learning.  We encourage our students to be curious and have the courage to try new experiences and gain new knowledge in a supportive environment.  We believe we are an integral part of the wider community and develop this through our curriculum. By developing new skills and being supported in preparation for adulthood our students can be strong members of our communities both now and in the future.

IMPLEMENTATION

Develop our learner’s learning

Our aspirational curriculum aims to provide SEND students with the same opportunities as their peers. Curriculum leaders have assessed how their subject can be delivered and implemented to support SEND learners.  SEND students are provided with opportunities to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and educational visits which enhance subject knowledge and provide real life experiences.

At KS3 students follow a broad and balanced curriculum including:

Mathematics

English

Science

History

Geography

RE

Art

Music

Technology

ICT

Physical Education

Personal Development

Reading

At KS4:

Many of our SEND students are given the opportunity to follow the EBACC route where appropriate.  Some of our SEND students are supported with additional timetabled maths and English lessons (in addition to the core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science and RE) alongside other option subjects such as Photography, Business Enterprise and Childcare.

For a small number of students who require additional support we have specialist interventions groups which support our curriculum.  Specialist interventions include:

  • 1:1 literacy and numeracy tuition
  • Targeted subject teacher support for individual students
  • TA support in lessons
  • Staff mentoring programmes
  • Y11 timetabled after school revision
  • Access to Heggerty maths, SAM learning, Renaissance learning – online intervention which can be accessed at home
  • 1:1 work with TA’s/small group interventions (reading, phonics, handwriting, pre-teaching of subject specific vocabulary, numeracy, preparation for adulthood, study skills)
  • Individual assessment of students needs to support them accessing the PE curriculum e.g. modification of tasks to support a physical disability, additional adult support where appropriate, working with preferred partners/buddy system
  • Adapted materials or equipment
  • Social Skills Group support
  • Educational Psychologist assessment
  • Behaviour Intervention Team support
  • Peer tutoring
  • Subject specific intervention e.g. coursework support sessions
  • Homework Club
  • SEMH and wellbeing support groups
  • Preparation for Adulthood support sessions

All students with physical disabilities are supported in accessing the school site in a variety of ways (which is individually assessed to meet the needs of the student) allowing them to access the curriculum.

Support in place may include:

  • having a lift key so that the pupil/student does not need to use the stairs;
  • leaving lessons slightly early to avoid busy corridors;
  • timetabling classes in 1 room to minimise movement around the site;
  • access to The Cottage and associated pupil support services throughout the day;
  • a “time-out” card to access sensory breaks if/when needed.

Pupils/students with a hearing impairment or visual impairment are supported with the Hearing and Visual Support services who work closely with the SENDCO to ensure the correct provision is in place for that individual student.

For further information, please refer to the Accessibility plan and SEN Information Report.

Develop the character of our learners

At St Anthony’s we have high expectations for all of our students.  Our school ethos is embedded throughout all aspects of Academy life via the delivery of our curriculum, personal development lessons and the Preparation for Adulthood work which supports our SEND learners.

Develop strategies and behaviours that enable out students to become effective learners

At St Anthony’s we have a National Curriculum as a starting point, which we embellish and deepen further as a school.  Through Quality First Teaching and evidence based practice we expose our learners to high quality teaching and learning.  Teachers encourage independent learning and provide a range of learning experiences to engage SEND learners.  Regular assessment opportunities are used to identify gaps in knowledge and support individual students. Teachers develop learning opportunities which encourage independent thought and look for ways to develop good learning behaviours.  Metacognitive approaches are embedded so that students are given opportunities to learn about their learning supporting their independence.

Through the development of evidence based CPD we are able to embed teaching and learning strategies into our curriculum which support SEND learners and are monitored through our quality assurance processes.

Staff CPD has included:

  • Growth mindset
  • Use of assessment
  • Magenta Principles
  • Retention and Recall
  • Rosenshine Principles
  • Embedding literacy across the curriculum
  • SEND provision for all SEND needs and ranges. Staff support available on VLE for all SEND needs

Develop the moral compass of our learners

When planning the curriculum teachers embed opportunities for students to understand morality and the wider world. They do this through personal development lessons, working with the community and beyond. Our school chaplain supports the social, emotional and moral development of our students through collective worship and pastoral care.

IMPACT

 Develop our learner’s learning

Regular analysis of data allows us to target individual support where needed to support learning.  We intend that the impact is that all learners will be academically and physically prepared for life beyond school and are supported in making good progress from KS2.

Develop the character of our learners

The impact will be that our learners will have fully rounded characters with a clear understanding of complex values like equality, friendship, trust and many others. Only by really learning what these mean will our learners be able to develop a character that prepares them for living in the community demonstrating tolerance and equality. We measure this not just by the work our children produce, but in the behaviours we see each and every day in all learners on the playground, in corridors, and in the many roles we give them. The impact of this intention is seen in the daily interaction of all members of our community, including staff and children.

Develop strategies and behaviours that enable out students to become effective learners

The impact we intend to achieve by developing this intention is seen by how the children approach challenges every day. This could be on the playground, in a game or disagreement, or in class in a complex learning challenge. The impact should be that children don’t give up, are highly motivated to succeed and achieve and are equipped with all the personal skills to do this.

Develop the moral compass of our learners

Our learners will be motivated by a strong personal sense of morality. They will make decisions for the right reasons and in the best interests of their community. They will be able to decide what is right and what is wrong, and will be resilient to the influence of others. They will go out into the world and make a difference in their own life and to others. Our learners will be the owners of their own destinies.

SEND Information Report – Frequently Asked Questions

St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy SEN Information Report is a report that encompasses everything we offer for your son/daughter with regards to their special needs.

What are the aims of SEND provision? (see SEND policy and SEND Information Report for full details)

What are the kinds of SEND that are provided for at St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy?

What support is there for supporting students improving their emotional and social development?

What can I expect if I send my child to St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy?

What should I do if I think my child has Special Educational Needs (SEND)?

How does St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy organise support for children with SEND?

How accessible is the Academy environment?

What happens if my child has a high level of need?

What extra-curricular activities and opportunities are available to my child?

How will I be informed about my child’s progress?

What additional intervention may my child receive at St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy?

How will the school prepare and support my child moving between phases of education and preparing for adulthood?

How will St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy ensure my child is included in all aspects of school life?

How will my child’s needs be identified and assessed?

How will staff in St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy support my child’s learning?

How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?

What Specialist resources and services are available at or accessed by the School?

How will I be involved in discussing, planning and supporting my child’s education?

What happens if my child needs specialist equipment or resources?

What if my child needs transport to or from school?

What care, guidance and support is available at St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy to ensure the overall wellbeing of my child?

What training have the staff supporting my child had at the School?

How does the academy evaluate its SEND provision?

What is the school’s contribution to the local offer and where can I find further information about where the LA’s local offer is published?

Who should I contact for further information about my child in school and at the Local Authority?

Where can offer me independent advice and support?

SEND Open Evening

The information required to be included in this SEND Information Report is stated in The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 SCHEDULE 1: Information to be included in the SEN information report and Regulation 51. This can be found at:

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 – 51

This is also available in Chapter 6 of the ‘Special Educational Needs Code of Practice: 0-25 years’ 2015