Support for children with SEND in schools 

The majority of children and young people with SEND in Northumberland, will be able to have their needs met in our inclusive and person-centred mainstream schools.

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Schools are expected to: 

• Have a designated person responsible for coordinating SEND (SENCo)

• Make reasonable adjustments to support all children and young people to engage in effective learning activities

• Identify barriers to learning or special educational needs 

• Carry out cycles of support for children and young people with SEND - this is called the called the Graduated Approach 

• Work with parents to carry out and share progress against cycles of support

• Have a SEN Information Report which is published on their website and updated every year

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Cycles of support will be led by teachers (and sometimes the school's SENCo). They should follow four stages of assess, plan, do and review. 

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For further information about this cycle, often referred to as the Graduated Approach, see Chapter 6 of the SEND Code of Practice 2015.

 

Over time the cycles may be adjusted and repeated with the aim of the child or young person making good progress. If concerns about progress continue, despite appropriate support being provided, more specialist support should be put in place.

 

Click here to view the Northumberland Graduated Approach for Special Educational Needs information booklet for parents and carers. 

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Reasonable adjustments you can expect from the school:

Schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments - this means that a school is required to take positive steps to ensure that disabled pupils and those with learning difficulties can fully participate in the education provided by the school, and that they can enjoy the other benefits, facilities and services that the school provides for pupils.

 

As a parent or carer you can also expect:

• To be involved in planning the educational support for your child

• The school to give you a copy of the plan they have in place to help your child with SEN support

• The school to meet with you to tell you how your child is progressing and what will happen next

• The school to make referrals to any other professionals they might need to ask advice from to help meet your child's needs

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If a child or young person has been receiving SEND support at school for a while and is still not making progress, the school or setting (or a parent/carer or learner themselves) may consider requesting that the local authority carries out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.