At Wittersham Church of England Primary School, we are committed to providing the best possible support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where all children can thrive.

How We Support SEND:

1. Personalised Learning Plans:
   We tailor our support to meet the individual needs of each child, ensuring that learning plans are personalised and responsive. This may include setting specific goals and targets, implementing strategies to overcome challenges, and regularly reviewing progress to ensure children are supported effectively.

2. Early Identification and Intervention:
   We prioritise early identification of SEND, so children can receive the support they need from the outset. Teachers, in partnership with the SENCO, regularly assess children’s progress to identify potential barriers to learning. Once a need is identified, targeted interventions are put in place, whether for academic, social, emotional, or behavioural development.

3. High-Quality Teaching and Differentiation:
   We ensure that all children, including those with SEND, have access to high-quality teaching. Our teaching staff are trained in differentiated approaches, meaning that lessons are adapted to meet the diverse learning styles and abilities of all students. We use a range of teaching methods, including visual aids, practical activities, and interactive lessons to make learning accessible and engaging.

4. Support from Specialist Staff:
   Our SENCO, Mrs. Coulson, works closely with the teaching staff to support children with SEND. She coordinates the support provided by external agencies and specialist teachers and ensures that each child’s progress is regularly reviewed. We also work with trained teaching assistants who provide additional one-to-one or small-group support in the classroom.

5. Collaborative Approach with External Agencies:
   When necessary, we collaborate with a range of external agencies to support children with SEND. This includes educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists. These partnerships help us to ensure that children receive the expert support and interventions they need.

6. Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment:
   We foster an inclusive school culture where every child is valued and respected. This includes encouraging empathy, understanding, and respect among all children, ensuring that everyone feels part of our school community. We also provide additional emotional and social support through programs designed to boost self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

7. Regular Monitoring and Review:
   We closely monitor the progress of children with SEND to ensure that interventions are effective. Regular meetings are held with parents to discuss their child's progress and to adjust strategies if necessary. By working in partnership with families, we ensure that children receive consistent and tailored support at school and at home.

8. Transition Support:
   We offer extra support to children with SEND during key transitions, such as moving between year groups or to secondary school. Transition plans are created to ensure that the child feels confident and prepared for the next stage of their education, with appropriate accommodations in place to support them.

Our SEND Policy:

We have a clear and detailed SEND Policy in place to guide our approach to supporting children with special educational needs. This policy is regularly reviewed to ensure that it aligns with current best practices and legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice and The Equality Act 2010.

At Wittersham Church of England Primary School, we deeply value all our children and, in close partnership with parents, strive to ensure full and equal access to every aspect of their learning journey. We believe in the importance of working together as a team to provide the best possible support for each child.

We encourage you to reach out to us with any queries, concerns, or opportunities for collaboration. Please don’t hesitate to contact us via:

• Telephone: 01797 270329
• Email: office@wittersham.kent.sch.uk
• In-person: Feel free to speak to us informally at the school gate or come into the office to arrange a more formal meeting.

Here to help you are:

• Mrs. Coulson: SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
  Qualified Teacher
  scoulson@wittersham.kent.sch.uk
  01797 270329

• Your child’s Class Teacher
  Available at the end of the day or by appointment for more detailed discussions.

For additional support and resources, Kent County Council provides a wealth of information through their Local Offer. You can explore these services by visiting Kent County Council's Local Offer.