SEND

Special Educational Needs

Alde Valley Academy has a specialist Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team, which is led by Mrs Claire Wills, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo). They are supported by a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSA's), including Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA's).

We believe all children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to make progress so that they:

• Achieve their best

• Become confident individuals leading fulfilling lives

• Make a successful transition into adulthood

Quality First Teaching is central to the provision offered to all students at Alde Valley Academy, including students with SEND needs. Student needs are met within the mainstream classrooms wherever possible with quality, differentiated teaching and support. The SEND team regularly liaises with teaching staff to make them aware of the most appropriate strategies to employ for individuals.

Additional provision for students on the SEND register can take several forms. Students may receive 1:1, or small group interventions, or where appropriate students may receive additional support within the classroom. For some students, support at break and lunch may be necessary, or mentoring from a key member of staff. We have an Oasis centre where this takes place. We aim to be as flexible as possible in meeting the individual needs of our students. All students with SEND have a personalised learning passport which is child centred and shared with staff and parents.

Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will have an Annual Review and parents will be invited into school for this.

In addition, the SEND Team will also:

• Play a key role in the transition of SEND students from primary schools and to post-16 education

• Liaise with external agencies, including; educational psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and specialist advisory teachers

• Liaise with the Governor responsible for monitoring the provision of SEND

We regularly review our SEN provision and evaluate to ensure student needs are being met.

The following four documents provide information on Alde Valley Academy’s approach to SEND:

• Special Education Needs and Disability Policy

• SEND Information Report

• SEND Accessibility Plan

• Accessibility Policy

• Provision Map Overview

If you are concerned about your child’s progress or wellbeing, please contact your child’s tutor. If you feel that additional support is needed, or you wish to discuss the support being offered further, please speak to a member of the SEND Team by telephone on 01728 830570, or via email through the schools enquiries email  address (enquiries@aldevalley.suffolk.sch.uk) with the subject SEND. 

Links to external support

• Suffolk Local Offer

• DfE Code of Practice