Every child is unique, and some children need extra help to do well in school. In the UK, we call this Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or SEND. It's important for parents and schools to understand what this means and how they can support these children effectively. St Helen’s Primary School in Hoyland are here to break down what SEND is, offer examples, talk about how schools can help your child, and provide guidance for parents who think their child might have SEN or a disability.

What are Special Educational Needs?

These challenges can come from various angles, such as learning difficulties, physical or sensory issues, emotional and behavioural struggles, or communication problems.

Examples of special educational needs include:

Dyslexia: Some kids find it harder to read and write because they have trouble with written language.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC): Autism can make it tough for a child to socialise and communicate with others, so they need special support.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD have trouble focusing and controlling their impulses.

Speech and Language Difficulties: Some children struggle to talk or understand others, which can affect their learning.

Physical Disabilities: Conditions like cerebral palsy or difficulty moving around can affect how a child learns.

Alongside Special Educational Needs, some disabilities may include:

Visual Impairments: Children with visual impairments may require access to Braille materials, large print books, or assistive technology to support their learning.

Hearing Impairments: Deaf or hard-of-hearing children may need access to sign language interpreters, hearing aids, or other assistive devices.

Mobility Impairments: Physical disabilities that affect a child's mobility may necessitate adaptations such as wheelchair accessibility and adaptive equipment.

Learning Disabilities: Conditions such as dyslexia and dyscalculia can be considered learning disabilities, which may require specialised teaching methods.

Mental Health Conditions: Children with mental health conditions may require additional support to manage their emotional well-being and learning.

If I Believe My Child Has SEND Requirements, What Should I Do?

Talk to the School: Go to your child's school and tell them what you're worried about. They can start checking if your child requires SEND support.

See a Professional: Visit a doctor or specialist. They can test your child and give advice.

Work with the School: If your child has SEND requirements, work with the school to make a plan just for them.

Stand Up for Your Child: Make sure your child gets the help they need. Learn about the rules for SEND in the UK, so you know what your child's rights are.

Help at Home: You can also do things at home to help your child with their learning. Ask the school for tips.

What Do Schools Do to Help Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?

Schools play a big role in making sure every child gets a good education. Here are some things they can do:

Extra Support for SEND

Identify and Assess: Schools need to figure out which children have SEND requirements by watching and testing them. The sooner they know, the sooner they can help.

Adapted Learning: Sometimes, schools need to change the way they teach to help children with SEN. This means finding the best way for each child to learn.

Accessible School: Schools should be easy for everyone to get around. If a child has trouble moving, the school needs ramps, lifts, or special equipment.

Talk to Parents: Schools talk to parents a lot. They tell parents how their child is doing and what they can do at home to help.

The Commitment to Supporting Every Child's Journey at St Helen’s Primary School

In addition to all the regular support that our school offers to parents with concerns around potential or identified special needs, we go the extra mile to ensure that our students with SEND requirements receive the utmost care and assistance.

We understand that open communication is vital. That's why we host SEND coffee mornings, where parents can come along and meet with our dedicated SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and other professionals. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for discussing any concerns and learning about the support available for your child.

St Helen’s focuses on the importance of supporting the social, emotional, and mental health needs of our students. Through our collaboration with Branching Minds and Compass Be, we offer regular contact and assistance to help students navigate the challenges they may face in these areas.

If you ever wish to discuss any concerns or needs related to your child's education and special needs, we offer parents evening meetings. These meetings can be scheduled with the SENDCo in addition to the class teacher, ensuring that your questions and concerns are thoroughly addressed.

Aside from these specific support measures, you can always count on the usual high level of support and care that we provide to all of our students. Our approachable staff are here to assist you and your child on their educational journey.

We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers every child to reach their full potential.

Contact Us to Explore Our Supportive Environment

If you want to talk more about your child and their SEN or disability, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We're here to help, and we want to give your child the support they need. Contact us today to arrange a visit to St Helen’s Primary School and see how we support every child's unique needs. Together, we can create a welcoming and caring environment that helps every child thrive. Let's work together for your child's future!