At Fishburn Primary School, we have experience of supporting children and young people with a wide range of need including:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties
- Cognition and Learning (Learning Difficulties)
- Attachment Disorder
- Social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH)
- Working Memory Difficulties
We also have access for disabled pupils.
The school provides data on the levels and types of need to the Local Authority. This is collected through the school census.
Who decides if my child has a Special Educational Need or Disability?
Often, children may join our school, with parents having a clear picture of their child’s needs
– parents know their children best
– and as a school we see parents as full partners in their child’s education. Sometimes, however, it is school staff who may initially identify a concern. If this were to be the case, school staff would liaise closely with parents at the earliest opportunity to discuss such concerns and agree a way forwards. For some concerns, we may discuss the involvement of the Educational Psychology Service, the Learning Support Service, the Occupational Therapy Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service or your local GP. It is important to understand, however, that the purpose of such involvement of professionals is not always to seek a ‘label’ or ‘diagnosis’
– but more often in order for advice to be offered to help the child learn as well as they possibly can. For example, certain programmes may be advised, teaching strategies, resources or services in order to address the needs as best as possible. As previously mentioned, if these needs are addressed, we are confident in the
outcomes of such support, and the issue has been resolved, your child will no longer be placed on our SEND register.
There are different categories of SEND at Fishburn Primary School, these are children
who are in receipt of:
– A Support Plan; the children are overseen by the school and the school and parents initiate, review, amend, and cease support for children whose needs are seen at ‘Support Plan’ level. Sometimes the children on these plans need additional support in the form of Top Up Funding but school will help with these decision.
– An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP); historically, children who had higher needs were issued a ‘statement’, by the Local Authority. From September 2014 all statements ceased to be issued, and EHCPs are issued in their place. Children with needs at this level have their plans initiated and ceased by the Local Authority, but reviewed and monitored by the school and parents at least annually as a legal entitlement.
