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The Downley School

“Learning, Growing and Succeeding Together”

SEND Support

 

Here parents and/or carers can find a number of website recommendations, links to support services and documents which may be useful to support your child at home.  

If you also come across resources which might be useful to others please email details to office@thedownleyschool.co.uk.

We endeavour to provide for all children that are recognised as having SEND. We hold regular meetings with parents/carers and outside agencies. Should you wish to speak to us about your children please contact Ms Fawcett on the school phone line. 

We have a number of children that are entitled to EHCP plans these are directed by hours of support which does not mean 1:1 adult attention. It is at the discretion of the school to deploy staff as necessary and appropriate. If you would like to discuss this further please contact Ms Colebourne for further explanation.

We aim to provide a deep and rich curriculum so that every child can be the best that they can be regardless of ability, starting points etc. We have adapted our whole school curriculum to reflect this and also our learning environments. 

In recognition of the children's range of needs we have developed a learning environment that does not overwhelm or overstimulate the children whilst celebrating their work and supports their learning. The restriction of unnecessary colour and directive from the walls allows the children to feel comfortable and be able to access what is important for the immediate learning not what they might need or was relevant for a previous topic. Each classroom is tailored for the children that are there today, so no displays are carried over from year to year and are built with the children.

We are lucky to have a full time dedicated Family Worker who is available on a daily basis. She supports the children's social, emotional and mental well-being. She runs courses for children to meet their needs beyond the classroom as well as parents/carers and home issues. Please let her know at the earliest opportunity of any concerns your children may have. We run a whole school mentoring system that is available to all children as and when needed. This system gives the children an adult within school to talk to on a weekly basis, and they can visit 1:1 or invite a friend to these sessions. All staff are mentors and give their own time to support this strategy as they recognise the importance for the children and how this supports them. We take direct referrals from parents/carers. Should your child be anxious or be experiencing social issues please speak to Ms Wilding who is available every day at the school gate.