Special Educational Needs

Statutory Information

Special Educational Needs
Special Educational Needs at South Gosforth First School
 

South Gosforth First School is a proud member of the Gosforth Schools’ Trust and works closely with these schools and the Local Authority to ensure the best provision for all of our children.  South Gosforth First School operates its special educational needs (SEN) provision in line with Newcastle Local Authority’s SEN and disabilities policies and procedures and the SEND Code of Practice (2014).  Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) holds the Postgraduate Certificate in National Award for Special Education Needs Co-ordination, has completed a Level 6 module in strategic lead for pupils who have experienced relational trauma and loss and is a Thrive licensed practitioner.

 

There are a number of reasons why a child may be identified as having SEN:

  • They are having significant difficulty with their learning and are making far less progress than would be expected.
  • They have a specific learning difficulty, for example Dyslexia.
  • They have emotional or mental health difficulties.
  • They have difficulties with social communication and interaction.
  • They have sensory and/or physical needs, for example a hearing impairment.
At South Gosforth First School we strive to meet the needs of all the children in our care. We believe that every child has a right to access a broad and balanced and curriculum. We aim to ensure that every child can reach their full potential, taking care to cater to their individual needs. We endeavour to help children build on their confidence and self-esteem, thus helping them to realise the important contribution they can make to their own learning, to our school community and eventually to the wider world.
 

For all pupils at South Gosforth First School who have an additional need:

  • We use Pupil Profiles which clearly state the pupil’s area(s) of need, their targets and the provision and resources to be implemented to support them in meeting the targets set for them.
  • We involve the pupil, parents or carers and key staff members in the writing, implementing and reviewing of Pupil Profiles.
  • We deliver high quality teaching, differentiating the curriculum and our resources to meet the needs of individual pupils and to promote pupil progress.
  • We seek support and advice from a range of outside agencies to ensure barriers to success are fully identified and responded to.
  • We operate a graduated response based upon need; assess, plan, do, review which is monitored by the SENCo.
  • All school-related activities are evaluated in terms of their positive impact on the learning success and inclusion of pupils with SEN.
  • We use strategies to reduce anxiety/ promote emotional well-being.
  • We ensure that our school activities and trips are accessible to all our SEN pupils.
  • Support staff are placed where they are needed throughout the school to ensure pupil progress and independence.
  • All staff have completed and continue to receive, on-going training in relation to meeting pupils’ needs in the classroom.
  • Support is offered to families and they are signposted to services and organisations which may offer appropriate support or advice via the Newcastle Local Offer.
  • We liaise closely with other providers and schools at transition times to ensure that SEN pupil information is clearly communicated and any moves are as smooth as possible.
  • We work in partnership with parents and carers to meet the needs of individual pupils.

 

If you would like further information about the support that South Gosforth First School can offer, then please contact Kate Rutherford (SENCo) on 0191 2853453 or by email to: kate.rutherford@sgfs.uk

 

Parents and carers can also contact the Newcastle Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for impartial information, advice and support in relation to their child's SEN and/or disability.  The Newcastle SENDIASS Lead Specialist is Judith Lane who can be contacted on 0191 2840480 or by email: sendiassadmin@newcastle.gov.uk