Here are some frequently asked questions, please click on the question to reveal the answer.
What kinds of SEND do children have in your school?
We are a mainstream primary school and the majority of our pupils are expected to reach the learning goals for their age. A small number of our pupils do have special educational needs and disabilities. Children are identified as having SEND when they have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children the same age or have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age in schools within the area of the Local Authority (SEND Regulations 2014).
Typically, children with SEND in our school have difficulties with communication and language, learning generally, social or emotional development, and sensory or physical difficulties.
How do you know if a pupil has SEND and how will they be supported?
- Both parents and teachers can raise a concern with the SENCO in regard to a child having special educational needs
- Teachers will then need to put in place school led interventions to support the child with their learning.
- Once this support has been put in place, outside agencies may become involved to help identify the needs of your child.
- Both parents and teachers, will receive a copy of the report and further strategies may be implemented to support your child.
- Progress will be measured and reviewed at least 3 times a year, by both parents and teachers.
As a school we support all SEN pupils, in the following areas of need.
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and/or Physical needs.
The range of agencies and support services school works with include, but are not limited to:
Social, emotional ,mental health and learning – SEMH&L- Tahira Marlow
- Dyslexia Specialist – Tahira Marlow
- Speech and Language – Amanda Ross
- Educational Psychologist – Gary McCrossan
- Complex Communication – Katherine Dudas
We may refer your child to other agencies as appropriate, with your consent.
Where can I find information about the school SEN Policy?
Our SEND Policy will give you the information you need about how we make provision for all pupils with SEND. If you would like to discuss our SEND provision or find out more, please contact our SENCo.
- SENCO- Mrs Denne
- Inclusion Lead- Mrs Kelsall
These members of staff are in school everyday, should you wish to contact them regarding your child. Please phone the office on 02476688947 or email senco@holbrook.coventry.sch.uk
How will I know that my child is making progress and how do you check and review the progress of my child, how will I be involved?
- We involve you in all decisions and listen to your views.
- We involve your child in decisions about their learning.
- We ask for your permission to involve other professionals to work with your child. The content of their involvement is confidential and only shared with you and relevant members of staff.
- Meetings between parents and class teacher are held termly, during which progress and attainment will be shared.
- Your child’s individual targets will be shared and reviewed with you each term.
- During the summer term you will receive a formal end of year report
- There will be at least a termly meeting with parents of SEND pupils. At these meetings progress and targets will be shared and reviewed.
- Parents can bring family members or friends to review meetings or contact Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for advice and support. http://www.coventry.gov.uk/iass
How do your teachers help pupils SEND?
- The teacher will have the highest possible expectations for your child and all pupils in the class.
- All teaching is based on building on what your child already knows, can do and can understand.
- Your child’s teacher will put in place different ways of teaching so that your child is fully involved in learning in class.
- This may involve things like using more practical learning or providing different resources adapted for your child.
- Your child’s teacher may put in place specific strategies (which may be suggested by the SENCo or staff from outside agencies) to enable your child to access learning.
- Your child’s teacher will carefully monitor progress.
- There is more information about the school curriculum on our website at https://www.holbrookprimary.com/index.htm
- The following pages outline some of the possible support or interventions used to support your child.
How have you made the school buildings and site safe and welcoming for pupils with SEND or disabilities?
Our school is safe and welcoming to the whole community and more information can be found in our Equality Policy.
Is there any extra support available to help pupils with SEND with their learning?
Our school has access to a range of staff to support pupils such as teaching assistants, learning mentors and specialist staff.
What social, before and after school and other activities are available for pupils with SEND? How can my child and I find out about these activities?
Our school has a range of extra-curricular activities available details of which are sent home throughout the year.
How does your school support pupils’ emotional and social development?
- We follow the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship curriculum with all our pupils.
- For children with specific social, mental or emotional health difficulties we have access to Learning Mentors and work with the Social Emotional, Mental Health and Learning Service (SEMH & L), Educational Psychology Service (EPS), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and other agencies.
How are the adults in school helped to work with children with SEND and what training have they had?
- The school has a school development plan that includes identified training needs for all staff to improve the teaching and learning of children including those with SEND.
- This may include whole school training on SEND issues or to support identified groups of learners in school, such as autism, dyslexia, etc.
- Whole staff training to share knowledge, strategies and experience, & ensure consistency of the school’s approach for children with an SEND.
- Teachers and support staff attend training courses run by outside agencies that are relevant to the needs of specific children in their class e.g .from SEMH&L, or medical /health training.
- Inclusion Leader and teacher work closely with specialists from external support services who may provide advice or direct support as appropriate.
What happens if my child needs specialist equipment or other facilities?
Our school is safe and welcoming to the whole community and more information can be found in our Equality Policy.
- The Local Authority and/or NHS provide specialist equipment such as wheelchairs /standing frames etc. when prescribed by a relevant health specialist. The school may also provide SEND equipment where appropriate in consultation with specialist agency advice.
- There is disabled access to our school with disabled parking very close to the main doors. The main sliding door is automatically activated as you approach and all areas of the school corridors and classrooms are wide enough to allow wheelchairs to safely use the space.
- We have a 1st floor which can be accessed by means of a passenger lift. Children are accompanied by a member of school staff when using the lift. We write Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) to ensure that in an emergency children are evacuated safely
- We have a hygiene suite where personal care needs can be met.
How will I be involved with planning for and supporting my child’s learning?
There will be at least a termly meeting with parents of SEND pupils. At these meetings progress and targets will be shared and reviewed. Parents can bring family members of friends to review meetings or contact Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for advice and support. http://www.coventry.gov.uk/sendiass
How is my child involved in his /her own learning and decisions made about his /her education?
- All children on the SEN register have a support plan written by the teacher in consultation with your child.
- As part of the review process, children are involved in reflecting on their own personal targets and identifying next steps.
- School regularly considers pupil views and uses this to support the children in their learning.
Who should I contact if I have concerns about my child’s learning and / or progress?
- Your first step should be to talk with your child’s class teacher.
- If you continue to have concerns you should contact the Inclusion Leader.
- If this doesn’t resolve your concerns you should contact the Headteacher.
Who else provides services in school for children with SEN or disabilities?
The range of agencies and support services school works with include, but are not limited to:
Social, emotional ,mental health and learning – SEMH&L- Tahira Marlow
- Dyslexia Specialist – Tahira Marlow
- Speech and Language – Amanda Ross
- Educational Psychologist – Gary McCrossan
- Complex Communication – Katherine Dudas
We may refer your child to other agencies as appropriate, with your consent.
Integrated Primary Mental Health
School Nurse
Sensory Support Service
NHS services
Children and Families First
Voluntary Organisations
Who should I contact to find out about other support for parents and families of children with SEN or disabilities?
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) http://www.coventry.gov.uk/sendiass
How will you help my child make successful move into the next class or secondary school or other move or transition?
Where appropriate additional transition programmes are implemented and discussed with parents to support a successful move into their next class.
School liaises closely with receiving and feeder schools to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Where can I find out about other services that might be available for our family and my child?
The Coventry Local Offer website has information about the services that are available. Click here to go to and view the Coventry Local Offer. http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/157/coventrys_special_educational_needs_and_disability_send_local_offer
