Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
All children are special, but sometimes difficulties may prevent a child gaining the full advantage from the educational opportunities offered within their class.
At Franciscan Primary School, we believe that every child is known, valued and celebrated as an individual. Guided by our values of Respect, Kindness and Perseverance, we are committed to creating an inclusive school community where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to achieve their full potential.
All children are special, but sometimes difficulties may prevent a child from fully accessing the learning opportunities available within the classroom. SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and refers to children who may require additional support or provision to help them thrive academically, socially, emotionally or physically.
Children with SEND may experience challenges relating to:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and/or Physical Needs
Understanding Your Child
At Franciscan, we begin with a simple question:
"How does this child learn best?"
We believe that effective support starts with understanding a child's strengths, interests, aspirations and individual needs. We work closely with children, families and staff to build a complete picture of each child, recognising that parents and carers are the experts on their children.
Our aim is not simply to identify barriers to learning, but to understand what helps each child flourish.
Quality First Teaching for All
The most important support a child receives is through high-quality teaching in the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils access an ambitious curriculum through inclusive teaching practices.
Our teachers use evidence-informed approaches, including the Education Endowment Foundation's (EEF) Five-a-Day Principles of Adaptive Teaching:
- Explicit Instruction
- Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies
- Scaffolding
- Flexible Grouping
- Appropriate Use of Technology
These approaches enable teachers to adapt learning whilst maintaining high expectations for every child.
Our Graduated Approach
Where additional support is needed, we follow the SEND Code of Practice's graduated approach:
Assess
We carefully gather information from teachers, parents, the child and, where appropriate, external professionals to understand strengths, needs and any barriers to learning.
Plan
Together, we agree meaningful outcomes and identify the support, adaptations and strategies that will help the child succeed.
Do
Support is implemented through classroom practice, targeted interventions or specialist provision, with staff working collaboratively to ensure consistency.
Review
We regularly review progress with children and families, evaluating what has worked well and identifying next steps. This ensures support remains responsive and tailored to the child's needs.
This cycle enables us to continually refine our understanding of how each child learns best and ensures that provision evolves alongside their development.
Additional Support and Specialist Provision
Sometimes children benefit from support beyond that provided through classroom teaching. This may be coordinated by our SENDCo and can include:
- Targeted interventions
- Personalised support plans
- Adapted resources and learning environments
- Specialist equipment
- Advice from Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other external professionals
For a small number of children with more complex needs, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be appropriate.
We will always strive to secure the resources, expertise and provision needed to support children successfully within our school community.
Working in Partnership
Strong relationships are at the heart of our SEND provision. We value open communication with families and believe that the best outcomes are achieved when school, home and external professionals work together.
At Franciscan, inclusion is everyone's responsibility. We are proud of our nurturing ethos and our commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and able to participate fully in school life.
If you would like to discuss your child's needs or learn more about our SEND provision, please contact our SENDCo.
Together, through kindness, collaboration and high expectations, we are committed to Achieving Excellence Together for every child.