Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, we believe that every child is uniquely created and valued. Rooted in our Christian vision and values of Love, Trust and Hope, we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where all pupils feel welcomed, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Psalm 139:14
This belief is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that children learn in different ways and may require different levels of support at different stages of their education. Through strong relationships, high-quality teaching and effective partnerships with families and professionals, we work together to remove barriers to learning and ensure that every child can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Our inclusive commitment is simple: every child belongs, every child is valued, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
High-Quality Teaching for All
At St Mary’s, support for pupils with SEND begins in the classroom. We believe that every teacher is a teacher of SEND and is responsible for meeting the diverse needs of the children in their care.
Through effective, adaptive teaching, we ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum, participate fully in school life and experience success. Teachers carefully consider individual strengths, needs and learning preferences when planning lessons and providing support.
This support may include:
- Clear explanations, modelling and learning broken down into manageable steps.
- Visual timetables, prompts and practical resources.
- Adapted activities, scaffolds and additional opportunities for practice.
- Flexible grouping and targeted adult support where appropriate.
- Support with communication, language, emotional regulation and sensory needs.
- Alternative ways for pupils to record and demonstrate their learning.
- Evidence-informed interventions to address specific areas of need.
- Specialist resources, equipment or advice from external agencies and professionals where required.
Identifying and Supporting Additional Needs
Where a pupil requires support that is additional to or different from that ordinarily available in the classroom, we follow the graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do, Review.
This process ensures that support is carefully planned, monitored and reviewed. The class teacher, SENDCo, parents/carers and, most importantly, the child work together to identify strengths and needs, agree outcomes and evaluate the impact of support. Provision is adjusted as necessary to ensure children continue to make progress and feel successful.
SENCOs – Mrs Cox/Ms Heaney
Contact details: office@stmarysceprimary.co.uk or telephone 01642 581716
Working in Partnership
We recognise that parents and carers know their children best, and we place great value on working in close partnership with families. Open communication and shared decision-making are central to the way we support children with SEND.
We also work collaboratively with a range of external agencies and specialist professionals when additional expertise is needed to support a child’s development, wellbeing and learning.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our aim is not simply to help children complete individual tasks or overcome immediate challenges. We strive to develop confident, resilient and independent learners who have the knowledge, skills and self-belief to thrive both in school and beyond. Support may look different for every child, but our commitment remains the same: to remove barriers, maintain high aspirations and enable every pupil at St Mary’s to flourish and achieve their God-given potential.
