SEND Frequently Asked Questions
How does the school know if my child needs extra help?
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice: 0–25 years (2015) clearly states that “all teachers are teachers of pupils with special educational needs.” At our school, every teacher holds responsibility for identifying students with SEND. Working closely with the SENCo, they are expected to ensure that any pupils needing additional or different support are identified as early as possible.
Assessment plays a vital role in identifying pupils with SEND. When a child is not making expected progress, it is important to explore and address any potential barriers to learning.
To support this process, our school uses a range of appropriate screening and assessment tools to monitor pupil progress. These include:
- Evidence from teacher observations and in-class assessments
- Performance in lessons
- Results from standardised psychometric tests and other assessment tools
- Reports or observations, including those shared at Team Around the Child (TAC) meetings
- Records received from feeder schools
- Information provided by parents
- Behaviour logs, which help identify patterns or triggers related to specific behaviours
What should I do if I believe my child has additional needs?
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing difficulties in social, emotional, educational, or physical development, the first step is to speak with their form tutor. As the form tutor interacts with your child daily during 'Base time', they are well-placed to observe and support their well-being. If appropriate, the form tutor may refer your concerns to the school's Pastoral Team, Attendance Team, or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Team for further support.
How will my child be supported in School if they are identified as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities?
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice: 0–25 years (2015) states that a graduated approach should be followed when meeting the needs of individuals with additional needs. Please see our document about the graduated approach for more information.
I am a parent of a child with SEND and I would like them to transition to Old Buckenham High School. How can I help my child through this transition period?
At Old Buckenham High School, we endeavour to have a strong working relationship with parents. If you are considering transitioning your child to Old Buckenham High School, please do not hesitate to contact us in advance to share details of your child’s needs. This will allow us to prepare, helping your child to have a smooth and successful start to their time at Old Buckenham High School.
