Inclusion
SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disability
Provision for children with special educational needs and/or a disability is a matter for the school as a whole. We believe that all children share the right to have access to a rich and varied curriculum and to receive the most appropriate provision for their needs, which will also enable them to fulfil their potential, to join in with all activities and to enjoy life at school.
We embrace the Disability Discrimination Act. We will not treat children with disabilities less favourably, and we aim to make reasonable adjustments so that children with disabilities are not at a substantial disadvantage. To this end parents and carers of a child with severe sensory, physical or mobility difficulties are advised to approach the school well in advance of admission so consultations can take place.
The school has a Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy, and Inclusion and Accessibility Policies, which are regularly reviewed and updated. These are available for download on our Key Documents page. If you would like to know more about these please ask at the office or alternatively you can arrange to meet with the Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator, who will be happy to meet with you to discuss any matters or queries. Once your child is in school, you may find that the class teacher will be the most appropriate first port of call. We can also put you in touch with our local Parent Partnership Worker who can offer independent information and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs.
If you have a complaint regarding the SEN support your child is receiving at our school, we would encourage you first to speak with the SENDCo named below. Should you feel the matter is not resolved, please refer to our Complaints Procedure.
SENDCo Team
Chapter 1: Mags Zaharia (Email: mzaharia@bluecoat-learn.org)
Chapter 2/3: Karen Blease (Email: kblease@bluecoat-learn.org)
Specialist Provision: Wayne Bennett (Email: wbennett@bluecoat-learn.org)
New Devon SEND Strategy 2021-2024
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the opportunity to thrive. Some just need a little extra help or special support to achieve their potential.
Devon's SEND Local Offer and strategy has been produced in collaboration with families and set out how we will help improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
These priorities make up our SEND Local Offer, which includes the education, health and social care services and support for children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Under the SEND Code of Practice 2014, schools are required to publish an Annual SEN Information Report. This is available to download in the Useful Links and Guidance below.
SEN Information Report 2022Useful Links & Guidance
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.
Normal Magic is a framework designed to help us consider how we look after our own mental health, and how we contribute to others looking after their mental health.
Supporting Children with Autism
Please see below some useful information from our colleagues at Babcock regarding Autism and supporting young children and young people through a changing environment.
Signposting: Support for children with Autism 2 - 5 Years
Action for Children support the Incredible Years Programme.
This is a group intervention of 12–16 sessions and is offered to parents of young children, developmental aged 2-5 and on the Autism spectrum or Pathway to diagnosis and promotes children's emotional regulation, social competence, language skills, school readiness, and relationships with others. An overview of the programme can be read here: Incredible years overview.pdf
In typical times these courses are often run within the Children's centres around the county.
Parents can also get information from Children and Families Health Devon. This also includes a Facebook support group
Autism: Transition from Home Learning to SchoolGirls with Autism: Flying under the radarSchool Based Anxiety - Guidance for ParentsDyslexia: How to support your child at home
For children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs, The Speechlink team have launched their parent portal with lots of speech and language resources, advice and tips for parents and carers that are working at home with their children.