Ernehale Infant and Junior School

Ernehale Flying High Academies are mainstream schools. We celebrate the differences between all of our children and value the contribution which every member makes to the school community. The admission arrangements for all pupils are in accordance with national legislation, including the Equality Act 2010. This includes children with any level of SEN and or disability and those with Education, Health and Care Plans and those without.

All our teachers closely track and observe children’s progress in both their learning and other developmental areas. If a child is off track with their learning, this will firstly be addressed with high quality teaching and scaffolding. If the teacher has further or different concerns, then the parents/ carers will be contacted and a structured conversation arranged to address those needs and look at ways forward. At all stages of the process we welcome a close working relationship with parents/ carers and pupils.

Should a child demonstrate needs in a particular area then school may contact outside support agencies, but this will only ever happen with consent from parents and carers.

If you are concerned that your child has special educational needs then your first point of call is to contact your child’s class teacher or the school SENCO and a meeting will then be arranged to discuss this.

Ernehale FHA continually evaluates its provision and practice. A termly report is produced for governors looking at SEND provision and practice each term. The governors are very committed and supportive and have been involved in decisions around the best SEN provision for our children. The SENCOS keep track of how pupils are progressing and evaluate the impact of interventions the schools provides.

If your child has SEN and or disabilities there will be regular contact with school. Your child’s progress is regularly tracked and analysed to see that they making the progress they should be. If your child is off track academically, socially and or emotionally extra interventions will be put in to support them. These may be part of the whole class teaching or may involve small group work and at times 1:1 support. You will be kept informed of the support your child receives and the impact that this is having.

Ernehale FHA has an open door policy and you will be able to speak to the class teacher at the beginning and end of days. If a longer appointment is required then this can be arranged. We also use Class Dojo to provide regular contact. Ernehale FHA also can help to support you with activities to work on at home. We strongly believe we need to work as a team to ensure the very best for your child. 

We believe that all children have the right to a high quality education that is tailored to their needs. We strive to support all our learners and work alongside both them and you as parents/ carers to ensure this happens.

If your child has particular learning needs, SEN and or disabilities this will be communicated through the SENCOS to the class teachers and teaching assistants. We work hard alongside you to ensure that we make our curriculum and learning accessible to all children. If your child needs extra support or resources in certain subjects we will aim to adjust the curriculum to fit their needs.

Decisions are made according to each individual child’s needs. The head teacher, SENCOS and class teachers look at the children who need support within school and ensure that their needs are being met. Sometimes this means making adjustments in the classroom, such as seating arrangements, sensory breaks, use of ICT etc. At other times this could mean small group or 1:1 interventions. The support from one child to another can vary greatly and working alongside you as the parent/ carer and any outside agencies that are involved we can find the best solution to ensure your child can progress and flourish.

We include all our children in activities outside the classroom. We will work alongside you as the parent/ carer to find the best possible solution to allow your child full access to both the curriculum inside and outside of the classroom. This is a valuable part of your child’s education and life experiences and we want them to participate fully.

At Ernehale FHA we value the whole child. It is extremely important to us that all our children feel happy, safe and achieve their full potential. We will work closely alongside you to look at any areas you and your child are concerned about be this, educational, social, emotional or health wise. We will then look at how to put plans into place to help your child grow and be a full member of our school community.

The SENCO Early Years is Lucinda Cox and her contact details are: l.cox@ernehalefha.co.uk

The SENCO for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 is Sara Rhodes and her contact details are: s.rhodes@flyinghighacademies.co.uk 

Our CPD programme for SEND is continually evolving and developing. We have a wealth of knowledge and expertise across our staff. We regularly join in with county and National training opportunities and then ensure this is fed back to staff in school and good practice is shared. Our recent SEND training has involved areas such as: Autism, Social Stories, Dyslexia, Physical intervention (CRB), emotion coaching, FASD, attachment and trauma, theraplay, ADHD, Zones of Regulation and Demand Avoidance.

The schools belong to the Arnold Hill Academy family and the SENCOs meet regularly to share good practice.

The Healthy Families Team provide support within school and at home for children.

There is a Springboard meeting for SENCOs to attend three times a year and this is a forum where advice and support can be requested from the Schools and Families Specialist Services ( SFSS). These teams can offer advice and support to children, families and schools.

The school can also access support from the schools behaviour partnership SBAP which is called GAP- Gedling Area Partnership.

The school regularly liaises with other outside agencies involved including, CAMHS and NHS services.

The schools have partial wheel chair access and disabled toilets and shower/changing facilities.

The schools can provide assistive technology according to specific needs.

The schools will work alongside parents/ carers/ children and outside agencies to ensure needs are met.

Parents/ carers play a vital role in the education of their child. We work with parents/ carers and the child to look at ways to ensure the very best education. We are regularly in contact with parents/ carers and value the wealth of knowledge that they bring. There are review meetings throughout the year and extra contact as needed. This can take place, face to face, by telephone, e mail, and letter. As a team of home and school we will have far greater impact on the future of your child.

We encourage children to be reflective learners and to understand the ways in which they learn best. There is the opportunity for them to discuss this with teachers, teaching assistants and peers throughout the school day.

If a child is on the SEND register before all review meetings children complete a pupil interview and are questioned about their learning and wellbeing at school. They also review the previous targets set and look at how they’ve achieved them and what steps can be taken next. Children are always welcome to be part of a meeting should the parents/ carers deem that appropriate. If not for the whole meeting then a suitable part where they can put forward their views and thoughts on reviewing and setting next steps.

If you have a complaint we encourage you to approach the teacher of your child, the SENCOS or the head teacher. We will happily work alongside you to solve the issue and look at ways forward. The school has an official complaints policy which can be referred to on our school website.

The school works alongside other organisations and services to ensure the very best for our children. We approach different services with parental/carer consultation to help find a pathway forward.

Our school signposts organisations depending on the individual needs of children and families. We do this through meetings with parents/ carers. The Local SEND Offer for Nottingham link is below and encourage the use of this for parents/ carers to see what options are out there.

The following arrangements are in place.

Early Years to Foundation

• Senco will visit early years settings to observe children and gain information about the child’s needs and requirements.

• The senco will consult with specialist teams and support to ensure the correct provision can be put into place.

• Extra transition and parental meetings will take place for children with additional needs.

Y2 to Y3

• Senco and HTLA visit Y2 to observe children, meet class teachers and teaching assistants. All SEND information is passed on at the meeting and fed back to the Y3 teachers.

• The Y3 teachers meet with the Y2 teachers to share information and strategies.

• All SEND documents and records are passed to the junior school and shared with class teachers.

• Parental/carers meetings are set in place where they are needed and a structured conversation will happen.

• Y2 visits to the junior school take place and any extra support and needs are provided for.

Y6 to Y7

• Transition meeting takes place between Ernehale Junior SENCO and Assistant SENCO for Arnold Hill Academy or other secondary schools. SEND information is shared.

• Extra visits both within the juniors and other secondary schools take place for those with SEND and other needs.

• Parental/carer meetings take place where needed.

• All access arrangements are passed on.

Further information can be obtained from our school policy on Special Educational Needs and Disability. These can be found here.

We are always available to answer and support you with any queries that you may have.