Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The ethos of our school is one which values the individuality of every student. To this end, the staff and governors are committed to a Special Educational Needs and Disability policy which seeks to meet the individual needs of each student, particularly by developing and reinforcing self-esteem and by encouraging a positive attitude to learning and to life. Every child is helped to achieve a feeling of success in some aspect of school life and every effort is made to instil a sense of pride in self and work.
We understand that educational needs range across the spectrum and more able children as well as those requiring support to access the curriculum, also have special educational needs.
We recognise that many of the learning difficulties may be temporary and can be overcome, so children with special educational needs are given the opportunity to benefit as fully as possible from a challenging education in a positive, inclusive environment.
The SENDCo for Ogbourne C of E Primary is Mrs Kay. Please contact her via the school office on 01672 841318 if you would like to discuss your child’s special needs or if you require further information. Mrs Kay also runs a weekly ‘SEND surgery’ for parents to discuss any SEND concerns. There is a sign-up sheet available in the office, to book in for this.
The objectives of our SEND policy are:
- To fully comply with the SEND Code of Practice, Jan 2015.
- To identify students with special educational needs and disabilities and ensure that their needs are met at the earliest opportunity.
- To ensure that students with special educational needs and disabilities can join in with all the activities of the school, without stigma, prejudice or discrimination.
- To ensure that all learners make the best possible progress.
- To ensure learners are well prepared for their next stage of education or employment.
- To ensure that parents/carers are informed of their child’s special needs and that there is effective communication between the school and parents/carers.
- To ensure that learners have the opportunity to express their views and are fully involved in decisions which affect their education.
- To promote effective partnership and involve outside agencies when appropriate.
Zones of Regulation
At Ogbourne CE Primary School, we use the Zones of Regulation throughout the whole school. We want to teach all of our children good coping and regulation strategies so they have strategies to help themselves if faced with anxiety or stress. Please see our ‘Mental Health and Well-Being’ page for more information on this approach.
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
We are lucky to have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant at Ogbourne. Mrs Stannard has been trained by the Educational Psychology team to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but occasionally, some group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills.
There are many emotional areas that ELSA can help with, including:
- Social Skills
- Anxiety
- Social Situations
- Therapeutic Stories
- Anger Management
- Self-esteem
- Real-life problem-solving skills
- Friendship