SEND

SEND Information Report 2024-2025

Our Commitment to Inclusive Education

At The Deanery, we firmly believe that all pupils, regardless of their barriers to learning, can thrive and achieve their full potential when provided with appropriate opportunities, tailored support, and strategies to navigate challenges.

Our Aims and Values

The Deanery is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment that values the abilities and achievements of every student. We are committed to:

• Identifying SEND as early as possible in a pupil’s education
• Monitoring and supporting progress effectively
• Collaborating closely with parents, carers, and external agencies
• Actively involving students and parents in decision-making
• Personalising learning to meet individual needs
• Promoting student independence and self-advocacy
• Ensuring all staff and governors take shared responsibility for SEND
• Removing barriers to enable achievement and success

Identifying SEND at The Deanery

The SEND Code of Practice (2015) defines SEND as a child or young person who has a learning difficulty or disability requiring special educational provision. A pupil has SEND if they:

• Have significantly greater difficulty in learning compared to others of the same age
• Have a disability that prevents or hinders them from accessing mainstream school facilities

While a disability may not always equate to a specific educational need, the SEND Code of Practice outlines four broad areas of SEND:

1. Communication and Interaction
2. Cognition and Learning
3. Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
4. Sensory and/or Physical Needs

At The Deanery, students with SEND are identified through:

• Transition information from primary or previous schools
• Baseline assessments in key areas of learning
• KS2 SATs and CAT scores
• Teacher referrals and observations
• Parent and carer referrals
• Student self-referrals

Transition Support for Students with SEND

The SEND team works closely with feeder primary schools to ensure smooth transitions into The Deanery. Additional visits and personalised transition plans are arranged for high-needs pupils and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Parental input is invaluable in shaping a detailed understanding of each student’s needs.

Parental Involvement in SEND Provision

We believe that the perspectives of parents and carers play a key role in supporting pupils with SEND. Parents/carers of children with identified SEND are invited to meet with a member of the SEND team before their child starts at The Deanery to discuss their aspirations and concerns.

In addition to formal meetings, The Deanery hosts regular drop-in events and coffee mornings, providing parents with opportunities to discuss concerns, gain further information, and access support in an informal setting. These events foster a strong partnership between families and the school, ensuring parents feel fully informed and supported in their child’s educational journey.

Student Voice in SEND Provision

At The Deanery, students are encouraged to participate in decisions regarding their education. Their views are considered throughout the process, from initial concerns to assessment, planning, and reviewing SEND provision.

Students play a role in creating and reviewing their Pupil Profile, attend SEND Reviews, and contribute to Annual Review meetings for EHCPs.

Approach to Teaching Students with SEND

Our first strategy in supporting students with SEND is quality-first teaching, ensuring access to a broad and balanced curriculum with tailored teaching approaches. Adaptations are made on a case-by-case basis to suit individual learning styles and needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment Adaptations

Teachers modify learning experiences to make education accessible and engaging for pupils with SEND. Adaptations may include:

• Scaffolded learning approaches
• Use of visuals for support
• Simplified information and instructions
• Digital support (e.g., laptops for accessibility)

For students requiring additional environmental support, The Deanery provides:

• A sensory room for sensory regulation
• Assistive technology for visually impaired students (e.g., Braille note-takers, large-print materials)
• Tailored classroom accommodations guided by specialist advice
• Specific study room for students with SEN
• Supervised quieter areas during breaks

Monitoring and Evaluating SEND Outcomes

Academic progress is tracked three times a year, while attendance and behaviour data are reviewed six times a year. Intervention programs include entry and exit assessments to measure effectiveness.

The SEND team analyses data regularly to ensure appropriate and impactful support within school resources.

SEND Expertise and Staff Training

We work in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and external specialists. Full details of their services can be found on the local SEND offer: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

SEND specialists at The Deanery include:

• Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA)
• Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)
• SEND-trained Teaching Assistants

External professionals and alternative provision providers supporting The Deanery in 2024-2025 include:

• Educational Psychologists
• Speech and Language Therapists
• The Autism Resource Centre (ARC)
• Visual and Hearing Impairment Teams
• Swindon Tuition Centre
• iProvefit
• Headstart Skillz
• School of Solutions

Staff receive continuous SEND training to enhance their ability to support pupils effectively.

Ensuring Inclusion in School Activities

All students, including those with SEND, are encouraged to participate in subject and enrichment activities, school trips, and residential experiences. Reasonable adjustments are made to facilitate safe and meaningful participation, with additional risk assessments carried out when necessary.

Preparing SEND Students for Adulthood

The Deanery collaborates with post-16 education providers to support students' transitions beyond school. College representatives attend Annual Reviews, and individual future aspirations are incorporated into all support plans.

What to Do If You Have Concerns About SEND Support

If you have concerns about your child’s support, please contact their tutor or the SEND Team in the first instance.

For additional concerns, a clear complaints policy is in place to resolve issues promptly and effectively. Full details can be found on the school website.

Who to Contact for Further Information

For general inquiries, refer to the school SEND Policy, available on the school website.

For specific questions, please contact your child’s tutor or Head of Year.

For SEND-specific queries, you can reach out to Dr Kafka-Markey, SENDCo, at:

kafka-markeyc@deanerycofeacademy.org.uk