Putting the child at the heart of our SEND process
Banks Methodist Primary School is proud to be an inclusive school. We are committed to providing quality education for all of our children. We encourage each pupil to develop his or her full potential in a caring, friendly and secure environment. Our aims for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all of our pupils; to provide access to a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum with the highest quality of education and full participation. We understand the importance of making adjustments and always ensure that we see the whole child, not just their needs, when creating a personalisation of provision. Children with SEND will engage in activities at school alongside children who do not have SEND and this will be supported and planned for by teachers to ensure that everyone receives the support and provision appropriate to their needs.
In our school we have worked hard to create a strong connection with family, community and outside services, so that they all work cohesively to support our children. Parents and carers are supported to be active partners in their role as educators of their children. We encourage parents to communicate with us regarding any SEND issues and we have been able to support, advise, signpost and help children onto correct pathways for diagnosis. When supporting the child, it is imperative to us that we support the entire family and that everyone feels safe and heard. Families at our school appreciate that we make space and time for them to be involved in their child’s learning (through regular stay and learn sessions where parents are invited into class to work alongside their children) and this helps us foster that ‘whole child approach’ and keep our provision personalised.
We believe in person centered learning so that pupils are enabled to be active participants. At Banks Methodist Primary our SEND children have a voice and give their opinions, choices and dreams for their education. We record these on their profiles and regularly update them and share them with the child. Children often have a good insight and knowledge of their own strengths and needs and how these can be best met within our school environment. It is important to us that we listen to them and they feel heard. Our school is lucky to have a dedicated staff team that all see themselves as teachers of every child, including those with SEND. A number of our staff and governors are parents to SEND children themselves, which gives additional insight and empathy into how vitally important it is to get provision and support right for families and children with SEND.
Mrs Benn is our school Senco, as well as our KS1 teacher and has been through the SEND and EHCP process with her own child over the past 6 years. This has given her a valuable insight into the process and struggles that many families face. If you have any concerns or questions and would like to speak to her about anything, she can be contacted through the school office or emailed directly.
Tel: 01704 227323
Email: h.benn@banks-methodist.lancs.sch.uk
The school's Special Needs Policy is supported by advice and documentation provided by the Lancashire Education Inclusion Service [LEIS].
Please click on the link to view the Lancashire County Councils Local Offer.
The local offer brings together information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
Useful Websites;
Independent Parental Special Education Advice– Provides free, legally based Special Education advice.
National Autistic Society – The National Autistic Society website, the main UK charity for supporting people with ASD and their families.
Widgit Symbol Resources – Symbolled resources for different topics and areas of life, including resources for fire safety and about visiting the doctors/dentists.
Special Needs Kids – An information directory for parents and carers.
Autism UK –Contains lots of information on ASD.
Autism Speaks – A comprehensive site, with a useful resource library.
One Place for Special Needs – A really useful set of social stories to share with children, covering topics ranging from coping with a new baby in the family to getting a haircut to making friends.
Winston's Wish – a fantastic website full of information to support children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling.
If you require any SEND documents in a paper copy, please contact the school office and we will provide free of charge.