In England, it is estimated that 14.6% of all pupils have a Special Educational Need (SEN). Many of these children and young people, particularly those with complex SEN needs, too often end up outside mainstream education, despite parents/carers and the children themselves having a strong preference for effective inclusion.
Old Ford Primary Academy is an inclusive school – we make sure every child has every chance to receive a good education, whatever their circumstances. Our ‘person centred’ approach to education ensures parents/carers and pupils are consulted and collaborated with throughout their time at our school. We create a safe, affirming and consistent environment for children, and provide activities which promote social skills and emotional development.
We believe transition should be an ongoing process throughout the academic year; ensuring good practice and vital pupil information is adequately shared. The transition for SEN pupils joining us at nursery or reception stage begins in the spring term when our staff complete home visits to introduce themselves to the child and their parents/carers. For pupils who have an EHCP and identified needs, our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) will arrange additional transition visits to really become familiar to and with the child, and hold multi-professional meetings to develop a transition plan which will fully support them.
There are eleven TAs at Old Ford who are specifically trained to work with pupils with SEN. They support the pupils in a variety of ways catered to individual needs, such as carrying out Speech and Language interventions, Attention Autism sessions, Mathematics and Reading group interventions, amongst others. We also bring in outside experts to boost the support we can give to our SEN pupils, most notably from the Phoenix School, a specialist school which shares our philosophy and has years of experience in delivering first class SEN education.
When it comes to the transition from year 6 into year 7 and high school we make this process as seamless as possible. We liaise with the SENCo at the secondary school to ensure they have all the relevant information, allowing them to plan ahead and be certain they will be able to meet the pupil’s needs. We will also arrange a number of extra transition visits with the SENCo at the high school so they can observe and work with the child, further supporting transition.
We believe that our pragmatic, integrated and inclusive approach to SEN provision is the best way to offer value to the communities we serve. By encouraging adults and children with a wide range of needs to work and play together, we can promote tolerance and understanding.
If you would like to find out more about SEN provision at Old Ford Primary Academy, please contact Yomina El-Guindy on 020 8980 1503 to discuss it.
