Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Advice for Ludworth Families          

2023-2024

Welcome to the SEND section of the website .At Ludworth we firmly believe that "Every teacher is a teacher of SEND" and  that "Every leader is a leader of SEND" and all staff welcome open discussions with parents/carers. We value co-production with families  and communication includes regular contact from year group teams, phone calls, quality learning and pastoral support . We also hope the clear communication and structured approach will ensure all children feel reassured and as supported as possible. If you feel your child would benefit from bespoke SEND advice please contact classteachers or myself in my role as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator via nicola.hankey@ludworth.stockport.sch.uk.

 The Local Authority is also keen to help families across Stockport and the Stockport Local Offer website signposts a range of resources .

                      https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send-local-offer

As we are keen to work with parents and carers every step of the way we are very proud to have signed up to Stockport's Co-Production Charter and details of our commitment to this ethos can be found by clicking the following link:

                       https://www.stockport.gov.uk/co-production

As always, if you have any queries about the resources I can be contacted via the school office. 

Mrs Hankey

SEND Co-ordinator  Mrs Sofla- SENDCo Assistant 

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Supporting Learners with SEND the Ludworth way !

We are committed to providing the best possible support for our learners with SEND and work closely with parents/carers and a range of professionals to create quality provision. Work for learners with SEND will be adapted depending on need and SEND Support Plans are co-produced with families. Classteachers,the SENDCO, Mrs Hankey and SENDCO Assistant Mrs Sofla  are available to provide further support and information if required. 

As always, classteachers can be contacted via an email to the school office :

    admin@ludworth.stockport.sch.uk 

or I can be contact directly in my role as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator :

    nicola.hankey@ludworth.stockport.sch.uk  

At Ludworth Primary School we strive to support all children to enable them to achieve at school. In order to do this many steps are taken to support them through their learning journey.

Quality teaching is vital; however for some children there are occasions when further additional support may be needed to help them achieve their targets.  This may be an indication of a special educational need, or may be a short term need.

The SEN Code of Practice 2014 defines Special Educational Needs as follows:

“A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she:

• Has a significantly greater difficulty in learning that the majority of others the same age, or
• Has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.”

The SEND Code of Practice can be found here:

SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

At Ludworth the Special Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs Nicola Hankey (NPQH,NaSENCo)
 

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SEND Information and Report 

What is the Local Offer?

The Local Offer is a description of all the services available to support disabled children and children with SEN and their families.  This information should set out what is normally available in schools to help children with SEN as well as highlighting what support is available for families who need additional help to support children with more complex needs.

What Stockport’s Local Offer will do?

Stockport’s Local Offer will provide parents/carers with information about how to access services in Stockport and what they can expect from those services.  With regard to education, it will let parents/carers and young people know how schools and colleges will support them, and what they can expect in the local settings. 

You can access the Stockport  SEN site and see details of their Offer by following this link  

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send-local-offer

The Stockport School Offer Development Group has considered a range of concerns and interests that parents/carers may have in considering how well a particular educational setting can support their child’s needs.  These concerns and interests have given rise to a set of commonly asked questions, which schools within Stockport should address as part of their School Offer.

Below are Ludworth Primary School’s responses to these questions and please also see the Ludworth SEND policy at the top of this page.

THE SCHOOL OFFER:

How does Ludworth Primary School know when a child needs extra help?

We know when pupils need help if:

• Concerns are raised by parents/carers, teachers or the child
• Limited progress is being made
• There is a change in the pupil’s behaviour or progress

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress the initial point of contact is your child’s class teacher.  You can also contact the SENDCO, Mrs Nicola Hankey (NPQH, NaSENCo)  on 0161 427 1446

Please also follow the link above to our SEND Policy for further details.

How will I share information with the school about my child’s needs?

If you are considering Ludworth as your child’s school you can contact the Headteacher / SENCO to discuss your child’s needs and to hear about the provision we offer. 

If your child is due to start Ludworth, we would arrange a meeting between you and any relevant school staff to discuss how we plan to meet your child’s needs and share information.  Where necessary we will arrange additional transition visits prior to starting full time.

If needs arise during your child’s education at Ludworth, the initial point of contact would be your child’s teacher.

We will always share information about the support your child is receiving in school and welcome your input in reviewing your child’s progress.  We offer an open door policy and teachers are available daily to discuss your child’s needs, although an appointment offers a more appropriate designated time to devote to your child.

How does Ludworth support a child with SEN?

Each pupil’s education programme will be planned by the class teacher.  It will be differentiated accordingly to suit the pupil’s individual needs.  This may include additional general support by the class teacher or by a teaching assistant in class.

If a pupil has needs related to more specific areas of their education, such as spelling, handwriting, numeracy or literacy skills then the pupil may be taught in a small group.  This will be run by a teacher or a teaching assistant.  The length of time of the intervention will vary according to need, but will generally be for a term.  These interventions will be recorded on a class provision map.  If you have any queries about the intervention please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or SENCO.

Occasionally, a pupil may need more expert support from an outside agency, such as Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy.  A referral will be made, with your consent and sent to the relevant service.  After further assessments, a programme of support may be given to the school and parents/carers.                                             

                                                                          Our Local Authority Inclusion Teacher is Mrs S Pountain

How are the governors involved and what is their responsibility?

The governors of Ludworth Primary School ensure that the school is as inclusive as possible and treats all children and staff in an equitable way.  The monitor and review statutory policies as defined by the Department for Education.  Ludworth has a designated governor for SEN who oversees the work of the SENCO and staff and ensures that the provision set out in the SEN Policy is being carried out. Additionally the governors receive an annual report from the SENCO about how the provision for children with Special Educational Needs.

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

All teachers at Ludworth match the curriculum to the needs of the individuals in their classes.  The children are taught from their own starting points and set individual targets.

When a pupil has been identified with special needs their work will be differentiated by the class teacher to enable them to access the curriculum more easily.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) may be allocated to work with a pupil in a 1:1 or small group to target more specific needs.

If a child has been identified as having a special need parents and staff will work together to create a  SEN Support Plan.  Targets will be mutually agreed and monitored by the class teacher in liaison with parents who will be given a copy of the plan.

How can I work with Ludworth to support my child’s learning?  

You can work with us by:

• reading at home regularly – listening to your child and reading to them

• supporting any additional activities that are sent home, either by school or other agencies
• sharing information about your child’s strengths and areas for development
• attending any parents information evenings or progress meetings that are held in school
• contributing to your child’s IEP
• being positive with your child and recognising the small steps of progress they make

How do the teachers know how well my child is doing?

The interventions provided on the class provision map will be regularly reviewed by all involved to ascertain the effectiveness of the provision and to inform future planning. 

Learning Reviews are held each term.  This is a meeting where the class teachers meet with the Headteacher to discuss progress of pupils in their class.  This shared discussion may highlight any potential problems and allow for further support to be planned. On a daily basis, teachers at Ludworth continually review the teaching and learning in the classroom and plan accordingly. On some occasions more formal assessments may be carried out to ascertain how much progress has been made and to inform the next steps in planning for your child. (Such assessment may include reading or spelling age assessments or Bright Maths assessments)  Your child’s teacher will explain any assessments they have used with your child.

What support will there be for my child’s overall wellbeing?

Transformative Communication and building children's self-esteem is at the heart of Ludworth good practice.The school also offers a variety of pastoral support for children who are experiencing emotional difficulties. 

These include:

• Members of staff such as the class teacher and TAs who are readily available for pupils who wish to discuss issues and concerns
• Nurture group sessions
• Social, Communication groups sessions
• Members of staff trained in dealing with grief and trauma
• Dyslexia in the Open sessions (where appropriate)
• Playtime and lunchtime clubs for those who find these times challenging
• Access to Outdoor Learning sessions (again where deemed appropriate)

How does the school manage the administering of medicines?

If a pupil has a medical need, then a detailed Care Plan is compiled with support from the school nursing team and in consultation with parents/carers.  These are discussed with all staff who are involved with the pupil.

Staff receive regular Epipen training delivered by the school nurse, although named staff are responsible for specific children.

Where necessary and in agreement with parents/carers medicines are administered in school but only where a signed Medicine consent form is in place to ensure the safety of both child and staff member.

There is a team of trained First Aiders in school at all times.

What is the support is there for behaviour, avoiding exclusions and increasing attendance?

Ludworth has a set of positive Values to which all children work towards.  These are taught in the Reception year and continually revisited and reinforced. The children are also rewarded for exemplary behaviour through our 'Ludworth Values' awards.

In addition the school is supported by the Inclusion Service, a member of which is in school fortnighly.  Inclusion Teacher  is available to advise staff on behavioural needs, observe children in class and work with children individually or in small groups.  If we are accessing the support of this service for your child we will discuss with you.  Where individual work is felt appropriate for a pupil we will ask for parental consent.

The Inclusion Service also provides support with creating individual provision plans for children who are struggling to access the curriculum for a wide variety of reasons (including behavioural needs).  They can help us to plan a curriculum and timetable that enables pupils to be more successful in Ludworth. Both these services will provide support for families, pupils and the school if a pupil is at risk of exclusion.

Where there are attendance concerns the Education Welfare Officer will work with schools and families to support improved attendance. Our School Age Plus Worker is also available to support families at home and/ or at school. 

How will my child be able to contribute their views?

Where appropriate to the child, they will be asked to contribute ideas about what they feel is working or otherwise when individual plans are reviewed termly.  Their views may be gathered in an informal discussion with the child and from parental contributions.  Pupils may be asked; what’s working, what do you like, what do you want to stop (within reason!)?

The children at Ludworth are regularly involved with setting challenges for themselves and evaluating their own progress and so for a pupil with special needs there will be an extension of this process.

Is there a range of services the school can liaise with?

There are a wide range of services available to provide teachers with more specialised expertise.  The main agencies used by the school are:

• Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Sensory Support Service (SSS)- to support pupils with hearing/visual impairment
• Behaviour Support Service (BSS)
• Educational Psychology (EP)
• Inclusion Team
• Child& Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• Autism Team
• School Nurse

There may be other services used dependent on the specific needs of a pupil.

How will my child be included in activities outside of the classroom?

Ludworth is a fully inclusive school and we will always do our best to ensure that all children can take part in all activities within school.  Activities may be adapted or extra support provided to ensure that all children can participate.  Risk assessments are carried out and procedures put in place to allow all children to participate.  Parents will be asked to contribute to discussions about how best to support their child in these activities. If it is deemed that an intensive level of 1:1 support is required a parent or carer may be asked to accompany their child during an activity.

How accessible is the school environment?

Ludworth Primary School is fully accessible to anyone with physical needs including wheelchair access.  We also have 2 disabled toilet facilities. As a school we are happy to discuss individual access requirements.

How will the school prepare my child for joining the school and transferring to a new school?

Prior to entry, we will arrange additional visits and taster sessions to Ludworth to familiarise your child with the environment and the staff who will be working with them.  We will also help to create a book all about the school, their classroom and the teachers who will support them.  This book can then be talked about at home prior to starting school in September. Staff from Ludworth will also meet with you and any Nursery staff to discuss your child’s needs and help to plan for a smooth, successful transition.

For children who find change a challenge we also organise transition sessions at the end of an academic year in preparation for a change of teacher and classroom.  These involve talking about how things will change, how things will stay the same as well visiting and photographing new classrooms and teachers.  Again a transition book may be created to share at home and try to alleviate any anxieties. All children in the school have a “class swap” session where they meet their new class teacher.

When children transfer to a new school, information about their educational needs is always shared with the receiving school and records passed on.  At the end of Year 6 staff from the receiving secondary school will visit the pupils at Ludworth and talk to them and their teachers about their individual strengths and needs. Extra transition work may be carried out by school staff or the Behaviour Support Service teacher to support those children who are more vulnerable at transition time.  Additional visits to the secondary school may be arranged if necessary

How are the school’s resources allocated and matched to the needs of an SEN child?

The SEN budget is allocated each financial year.  The money is used to provide additional support or resources dependent on an individual’s needs. Support can take many forms and our guiding principal is providing the highest quality education to all children.  We want the best for our pupils just as you want the best for your child.

Support may include (but is not restricted to):

• 1:1 teaching sessions
• Small group teaching
• Additional teaching resources or practical apparatus
• Teaching others in small groups to allow your child to be taught in a smaller group by the class teacher
• Accessing additional support from specialists
• Additional support will be discussed with parents and the aim of the support explained

How are decisions made about the type and level of support my child will need?

The type and level of support will be discussed with parents and at tracking meetings in school.  We hope to work in partnership with parents to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our pupils.

How will I know if the provision has had an impact on my child’s development?

The provision and its impact will be shared with you at termly meetings.  The Autumn term and Spring term meetings can be combined with the school’s parents evenings, although a longer appointment will be made.  You can always make an appointment to discuss your child’s progress at other times of the year by contacting your child’s class teacher and/or the SENCO.  Your own views of your child’s progress are very important to us, as some small steps of progress may not be measured easily but are noticeable to you.

Who can I contact for further information?

If you wish to discuss your child’s educational needs prior to starting Ludworth, please contact the school office on 0161 427 1446 to make an appointment with the SENDCO-Mrs Nicola Hankey (NPQH, NaSENCo)

If your child is at Ludworth, the first point of contact should be your child’s class teacher.  If you have further questions or are unhappy about something, please contact the SENDCo.

If your require information about the services available to young people and families in Stockport please refer to the Stockport Local Offer

We hope these have answered any queries you may have but do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any further questions.

Who can I contact for further information?

*The first point of contact is your child’s class teacher. Please speak to them at the beginning or end of the school day, or phone the school office, (0161 427 1446) to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

*Your next point of contact is the SEND Coordinator  (Mrs Nicola Hankey) or Head Teacher. Appointments can be made via the school office (0161 427 1446).

*If you have a complaint regarding the provision made at school for your child, please contact the Head Teacher, Mrs Victoria Walker, in the first instance.

*If your child is not currently at our school but you are considering sending your child here and you have questions relating to SEND, please contact our SEND Coordinator, Mrs Nicola Hankey

*The Information, Advice and Support Service is an organisation which supports parents / carers of pupils with SEND.
Contact details:
Stockport Voluntary Action Youth, Woodbank Youth Centre, Turncroft Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK1 4BN
Tel: 0161 480 3189
Email: stockport@kids.org.uk
Website: http://cyp.iassnetwork.org.uk/service/iass-stockport/
Click for an information leaflet
Parents in Partnership is a voluntary group for parents and carers who children in Stockport with disabilities or additional needs.
Contact details:
Tel: 07786 101072
Email: info@pipstockport.org
Website: http://www.pipstockport.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pipstockport
Twitter: PIPSTOCKPORT
Information about support and services available from Stockport Local Authority can be found at www.sensupportstockport.uk or www.stockportinfo.co.uk
There is a link to Stockport's Local Offer at the top of this page.