SEND

The school’s SENDCo (Special Education Needs and Disability Co-ordinator) is Mrs Alicia Bellshaw.  She can be contacted at the school.

Mrs Carberry supports Mrs Bellshaw in this role and she can be found in school every Wednesday or contacted via the School Office.

Here is a link to Cheshire East's Local Offer.

Here is a link to CEIAS  - Cheshire East Information, Advice and Support Team - they offer free confidential support and information to children and young people with SEND, their parents and their carers. They aim to ensure that all involved feel more informed and have the necessary knowledge to be fully involved in all decisions relating to SEND provision.

We are very proud of the approaches, provision and support which we have put into place to support our pupils with SEND.

We have made most of the approaches standard classroom practice as so many children benefit from such adjustments. For example, all classes use visual timetables. The class teacher goes through the day with their class each morning. We use dyslexia friendly fonts. All pupils are told to take a photograph of the whiteboard with an iPad if they struggle to read from the board. If there is a lot of content on the whiteboard then paper copies are issued. Regular brain breaks are built into each day. Dates are always written in books using the short form. These are just a few of the small adjustments which we know make a big difference.

To support the mental health of our pupils, and again this applies to all pupils not just those with SEND, we have 'Fidget Tools' available in the library area, Calm Corners in the classrooms and reset activities in the corridor. Pupils are made aware of these and are encouraged to use them independently when they know that they need to have some quiet time.

We are very proud of our learning nooks, both of which are located in the hall and are in regular use. 'The Nest' is more commonly referred to as 'the sensory nook' and features a twinkly carpet and a soft colour changing light. 'The Greenhouse' is a little more simple but just as effective with its fairy lights and cushions. These spaces are used during learning time as quiet learning nooks which create an intimate feel. They are also used at lunchtime for those pupils who are overwhelmed by the lunchtime noise and also used during Collective Worship for those pupils who find being in big spaces with a lot of people overwhelming. 

Some of our SEND pupils need bespoke packages to support their learning and happiness in our setting. This may mean that they learn in a different space (maybe 'The Nest' or 'The Greenhouse'), they may need additional brain breaks which take them outside, they may need sensory support and they may access a different curriculum which focuses more on life skills, communication skills and emotional literacy development.

In January 2025 we opened 'The Stream', which is our new sensory space. This space features fibre optics, bluetooth speakers, a ripple effect projector, wash lighting, a squeeze seat, sequin panel and more. It will be used in a proactive way to allow children to reset if they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. It will be used as a quiet space to rest and find calm again and will be available for use by all members of our School Family.

We work hard to meet the needs of all of our children and we also work hard to ensure that all of our pupils understand and support each others' needs.

We want every child to flourish and feel enabled to be their true authentic self. We want them to embrace their neurodiversity and educate their peers about the ways in which their brains work.

Below you can find some useful resources to support your child with their additional needs.