Definition

A child or young person has SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made that is additional to or different from that made generally for other children or young people of the same age. (CoP 2015, p16)

Broad areas of need – There are four broad areas of special educational need, these are:

Communication and interaction – Includes pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and those with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

Cognition and learning – Includes pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) , Moderate learning difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

Social, Emotional and Health Difficulties – Includes any pupils who have an emotional, social or mental health need that is impacting on their ability to learn.

Sensory and/or Physical Difficulties – Includes pupils with hearing impairment, visual impairment, multi-sensory impairment and physical difficulties.

School Ethos and approach

St Francis’ is a school where Christian Values underpin all interactions between stakeholders. We value all learners and promote inclusivity so all members of our St Francis’ family can be the best they can be. Our ethos is one of compassion and responsibility to everyone in the community.

Within St Francis’, we encourage all children to show humility and endurance in lifelong learning. We recognise the diverse and individual needs of all of our pupils and take into account the additional support required by those children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our School is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity, prevent disabled pupils from being treated less favourably and valuing diversity for all children and families.

St Francis’ prides itself in being very inclusive and will endeavour to support every child regardless of their level of need.  All pupils follow the National Curriculum at a level and a pace that is appropriate to their abilities. At times and when it is felt appropriate, modifications to the curriculum may be implemented and for most children and young people in a mainstream school their needs can be met through Quality First Teaching and good classroom practice.

Currently, children identified as having Special Educational Needs have the following areas of primary need communication and interaction, cognition and learning, sensory, emotional and health difficulties and sensory and/or physical difficulties. 

Consultation in Production and Review Arrangements of SEND Information Report (SIR)

At St Francis CofE (Aided) Junior School we ask parents to complete a questionnaire annually. Our pupils share their views by completing, ‘My Views’ independently or with a member of staff by writing or drawing. The information gathered from parents and pupils is used to improve our SIR.  The SIR is reviewed and updated annually. It should be read alongside the school’s SEND Policy, the Equalities Information and Objectives, Safeguarding Policy and the Accessibility Plan. The SIR is monitored, evaluated and ratified by the Governor for SEN and ratified by the governing body.

This SEND Information Report should be read alongside the school’s SEND Policy, the Equality Policy Statement and the Accessibility Plan.

Key Contacts

If you would like to discuss your child’s SEND in more detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
Telephone: 01325 300236
Email:  stfrancis@durhamlearning.net

The full range of local support available for children/ young people with SEND and their families within and outside of school can be found in the County Durham Local Offer