Parent and carer guide to SEN support

Following national frameworks (including Ofsted) in Stockton-on-Tees we have produced clear guidance of what would be expected for our schools and settings to provide for children at SEN support.

Schools and settings are expected to:

• adapt the physical environment to meet the needs of your child
• ensure that all staff make a positive contribution to the progress of your child
• have a plan for further professional training for staff to enable them to meet the needs of all learners
• recognise and respond to the need for pastoral support for your child
• have effective measures in place to deal with safeguarding issues
• ensure that all staff are aware of the needs of your child and understand them and know how to respond to them
• ensure that staff differentiate activities to provide suitable learning challenges for your child
• ensure that learners have the opportunity to work in different ways, for example, in groups, pairs and or individually and collaboratively with each other
• ensure that your child receives feedback on their work
• ensure that resources are allocated and provided to ensure your child's additional needs are met
• work with other agencies and specialists effectively and know where to refer to for extra support
• work in partnership with you and your child throughout the 4-stage graduated approach (assess, plan, do, review)
• help your child to understand their own barriers to learning and to value their own achievements
• enable your child to feel they can approach staff and know that their opinions and concerns are valued
• ensure that transitions between all phases are smooth and planned (this can also be between classes)
• ensure that expertise is in place to manage examination arrangements for tests and public examinations
• ensure the SENCO is a qualified teacher employed by the school with the relevant qualification
• ensure the SEN information report reflects the support and expertise of the school