SEND
SENDCO - Ms S Wise
Special Educational Needs and Disability Department
(SEND Department)
At Bonus Pastor, students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) are fully integrated into the life of the school. The school believes that students learn most effectively when they feel valued and their efforts and achievements are recognised.
All teachers at Bonus Pastor have the responsibility to provide the learning opportunities necessary to meet all students’ needs and to ensure the progress of all students.
The SEN Co-ordinator (SENCO) for the school is Ms Sharon Wise. She is responsible for the day to day operation of the SEN and Disability policies. The SEN department consists of a Deputy SENCO and a team of Learning Support Assistants.
Students are supported at key transition points, including the move from Primary to Secondary school and their onward progression to post-16 placements after leaving Bonus Pastor. Feeder primary schools are visited/contacted throughout the year prior to transfer and information regarding barriers to learning and SEN is shared. The LA notifies the school about students who are transferring with EHCPs in the spring of their year 6. Relevant information is disseminated to staff before students start in Year 7.
At Bonus Pastor, assessment, monitoring and review form the basis of identifying and addressing the needs of students with SEND. The views of the student and parents are essential in planning for and the monitoring of progress.
The following methods are used as a baseline assessment and to further identify students with SEND:
- SATS (where held) and Standardised test scores from KS2
- School internal assessments and MIDYIS for all Year 7 students
Initial concerns other than those already identified are recorded and addressed in line with the recommendations in the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the Equality Act 2010.
Areas of Need are categorised under four broad headings, as set out in the SEND Code of Practice:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties
- Sensory and/or Physical Needs
The school maintains an SEN register with information about barriers to learning and recommended teaching strategies to support students. All members of staff have access to the SEN information which is regularly revised so that staff are aware of any changes or additions. All staff are part of the monitoring and review process.
All parents/carers are informed that their child’s name is included on the SEN Register. They will be kept regularly informed and consulted on issues relating to their child’s progress.
Support is provided which is appropriate to the needs of the students using a combination of :
- Keyworker System
- In class support
- Small group intensive work
- Social skills training
- Social Use of Language support
- Reading and Comprehension support
- Careers advise and support
- Speech and Language programmes
- Special Examination Arrangements
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Counselling (CAMHS)
- Liaison and support from the Learning Mentoring Team
Bonus Pastor benefits from established working relationships with a range of external professionals. The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Department is committed to ongoing personal and professional development in order to extend its knowledge and expertise. All staff receive regular SEND CPD (Continuing Professional Development) as part of the school's commitment to the whole-school CPD programme.
Bonus Pastor works collaboratively with parents, teachers, Learning Support Assistants, and professional agencies to ensure the best outcomes for our SEN students.
For more information please email our SENDCO:
