Sunday Times Secondary School of the Year 2023

St. Mary's Grammar School

SEN

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS 

St. Mary’s is an inclusive, pupil-centred school that is fully committed to meeting the needs of all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

We believe that pupils with Special Educational Needs should have access to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum and be supported to participate fully in all aspects of school life, including extra-curricular activities and educational visits.

As a school, we set high expectations for all pupils and encourage them to engage positively in the learning and teaching process. We provide support for pupils who experience barriers to learning so that they may overcome challenges, achieve their full potential and maintain a positive sense of self-worth and self-belief.

In St. Mary’s, there is a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who works closely with the Assistant Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator to manage all aspects of SEN provision within the school. The SENCo liaises with a range of external professionals and agencies, as appropriate, to ensure that the Special Educational Needs of pupils are met.

Pupils may have Special Educational Needs if they have:

  • a learning difficulty;

  • a physical or sensory disability;

  • a particular medical condition; or

  • social, emotional and/ or behavioural difficulties.

In St. Mary’s, we aim to identify pupils with Special Educational Needs as early as possible so that we may provide pupils with appropriate support for their learning.

Pupils who have been identified as having a Special Educational Need will be added to the school’s SEN Register and will benefit from additional support, as appropriate, from the SENCo and Assistant SENCo, Subject Teachers, Form Teacher, Head of Year and/or the Learning Support Team.

For pupils with Special Educational Needs, a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) will be created to support them in their learning. Pupil progress will be closely monitored and targets reviewed on a regular basis. The SENCo will liaise closely with the parents/guardians of pupils with Special Educational Needs to communicate information regarding progress, development and future targets.

Guidance For Parents On The Move From 5 To 3 Stages