Intention

At St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, our intention for Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) is to ensure that all children receive a high-quality and ambitious education regardless of need or disability. We believe that it is vital that our pupils are equipped with the tools needed to become independent, inquisitive learners both in and out of the classroom. We work towards removing all barriers to learning and participation, provide a holistic education that is appropriate to pupils’ needs, promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential for all pupils; promote positive relationships, active engagement, and wellbeing. For our pupils with the most complex needs, our mantra is IF THEY CAN’T LEARN THE WAY WE TEACH, WE TEACH THE WAY THEY LEARN At the end of KS2 our SEND pupils will leave St Thomas’s with the self-confidence and skills to be able to communicate effectively their needs and function as independently as they can in their personal capacity. They will have developed the understanding of their emotional wellbeing and knowledge of their rights in society.

Implementation

 At St Thomas’s every teacher is a teacher of SEND. As such, inclusion is a thread that runs through every area of the school enhanced by collaboration between all stakeholders.

Our rich, broad balanced curriculum offers our children a wealth of experiences and ensures that pupils with SEND are included in all aspects of their school day, provided with quality first teaching (adapted to meet their needs), respected and their contributions valued and acknowledged.

We recognise the importance of promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to all our students and their families. We create an open culture around the discussion of SEND needs and wellbeing, and to empower our SEND children be proud of their abilities and encourage acceptance and empathy amongst all pupils.

 Some pupils may need specific 1:1 or small group interventions to support their cognition and learning, social emotional mental health or sensory needs. We work alongside external agencies such as an Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Treetops Outreach to develop specific targets/programmes tailored to the child’s individual needs.

Impact

Pupils at St Thomas’ feel happy, safe and respected. Children with SEND develop skills and knowledge across the curriculum to prepare them for the next stage of their education and, in the long view, prepare them for employment, independent living and making a positive contribution to their community.

Thurrock SENd Local Offer Thurrock’s SEND Local offer where you will also find (amongst others) the following areas: • ‘Your Aspiration, Our Priority - the podcast from Thurrock SEND • SEN in Focus • Competitions • ‘We are Listening’ • ‘SEND Development’

Should you have a complaint, your first point of contact will be the class teacher who you may discuss your concerns with. Following this you may like to make contact with the Inclusion Manager / SENCo – Mrs Hall. School Governors Parent Partnership who are not school based but will offer parents free confidential, impartial information, advice and support. – 01708 859 692 or www.parents.partnership@thurrock.gov.uk LEA SEN at Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6GF.

Please also read our Complaints Policy for further details.