Manchester’s local offer makes it easier for families to find out about the support that is available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). All schools and academies in Manchester are expected to identify and support pupils with Special Educational Needs.

More information on Manchester’s local offer can be found at: www.manchester.gov.uk/sendlocaloffer

 

The family of a child with SEND has the right to request for their child to be educated in a mainstream setting. Manchester schools are supported to be inclusive. Manchester’s Graduated Response document outlines guidance that they could provide to support schools. Schools have a duty to publish SEND information on their website which is updated annually. Outlined below are frequently asked questions in regards to how children with Special Educational Needs are supported at Dean Trust Ardwick:

What SEND needs are provided for at Dean Trust Ardwick?

Dean Trust Ardwick provides for children with SEND in line with the Equality Act 2010. This would be if they have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of their peers, or have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.

There are four types of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) as described in the SEN Code of Practice 2014:

1. Communication and interaction
2. Cognition and learning
3. Social, mental and emotional health difficulties
4. Sensory and/or physical needs

If a pupil is identified as having SEND, then their needs will fit into one or more of these categories. Pupils with medical conditions will have Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP) which specify the type and level of support required to meet their medical needs.

How does the school know if pupils need extra help with learning?

When deciding whether to make special educational provision, the teachers and Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo) would consider all of the information gathered from within the school about a child, alongside national data and expectations of progress. This should include high quality and accurate formative assessment, using effective tools and early assessment materials. For pupils with higher levels of need, school would have arrangements in place to draw on more specialised assessments from external agencies and professionals.

This information gathering should include an early discussion with the pupil and their parents. These discussions should be structured in such a way that they develop a good understanding of the pupil’s areas of strength and difficulty, the parent’s concerns, the agreed outcomes sought for the child and the next steps.

If parents have any concerns regarding their child, they are encouraged to discuss this with the school’s SENDCo.

What should I do if I think my child has Special Educational Needs?

Please contact the SENDCo to arrange a meeting, or alternatively, you may discuss any concerns about their progress with their Head of Year who will refer them to the SENDCo if necessary.