Special Educational Needs & Disability

How does St James approach the teaching of children with Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND)?
All pupils in school receive quality first teaching, this means that a range of teaching and learning styles are used and that appropriate learning objectives are set for all children with a curriculum matched to their needs. Some children require specific interventions in small groups or on a one to one basis.

How will I know how my child is doing in school?
The progress that your child is making and their attainments in comparison with National Age Related Expectations will be discussed with you at parents evenings in Autumn and Spring Terms. You will be able to discuss how well your child is doing in school at these meetings. There is also an informal parent drop in every week where class teachers are available and parents are welcome to look at pupil’s learning on the walls and in books. Mrs Bowden, the SENCO, is also available to meet with parents, please make an appointment.
Teachers use ongoing assessments to inform their planning. These assessments allow staff to monitor if children are making the desired amount of progress. Children’s progress is monitored through teacher’s formative assessments, Y1 Phonics Assessment, Termly tests, and end of Key Stage SATs. Assessment data is analysed by teachers, the SENCO and the Assessment Co-ordinator and any issues that arise are addressed. If staff have any concerns, they will contact parents.

What should I do if I think my child has a Special Educational Need or disability?
If you think that your child has a Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND), please make your concern known to the school by speaking initially to your child’s class teacher, who will raise this concern with the SENCO in school. The concern will be discussed with you and following this discussion, school will carry out the necessary checks to ensure your child’s needs are met. We will share our findings with you and agree the next steps for your child.

How does St James school involve children in their education and the decision making process?
One of the main principles is that all children are involved in planning their learning. All project learning follows the children’s interests so children are always kept involved with the path their project will take. Children are aware of their targets or next steps in their learning (age appropriate). English and Maths targets are an integral part of daily teaching and learning. Any specific social, emotional or behavioural targets are set with the individual children and referred to appropriately. In addition to this, children get feedback from teaching staff regarding immediate next steps in their learning, this may be verbal feeback or written comments in their books.

Information and support services for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for anyone aged between 0 to 25 can be found by following the link: SEND Local Offer – Bolton Council Website