SEND Local Offer

SEND & Inclusion at St John’s CE Primary School

Welcome

At St John’s CE Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels they belong, can thrive, and achieves their full potential. This page is designed to support parents and carers who may be concerned about their child’s progress or who already know that their child has a special educational need or disability (SEND).

We aim to provide clear, accessible information about how we identify needs, how we support children, and how we work in partnership with families and external professionals.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that all children are entitled to a high-quality, ambitious education that meets their individual needs. We are committed to:

· Early identification of needs

· Removing barriers to learning

· High expectations for every pupil

· Personalised support and intervention

· Strong communication with parents and carers

· Working collaboratively with health, education and social care professionals

We ensure that all pupils, regardless of their needs, make the best possible progress and feel valued as part of our school community.

What Is the Local Offer?

Local Authorities must publish a Local Offer, which sets out the support available for children and young people with SEND aged 0–25. It helps families understand what services and provision they can expect in the local area.

You can View Bury Council's Local Offer here: Bury Council Local Offer

The Four Broad Areas of Need

As outlined in the SEND Code of Practice, children’s needs fall into four broad categories:

Communication and Interaction

Including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

Cognition and Learning

Including Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Including emotional regulation needs, anxiety, attachment needs and other mental health difficulties that affect learning.

Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Including hearing impairment, visual impairment, multi-sensory impairment and physical disabilities.

How We Support Children With SEND

The SEND Code of Practice places pupils and families at the centre of planning. At St John’s, we follow a graduated approach: Assess → Plan → Do → Review

This ensures support is tailored, monitored and regularly reviewed with parents and carers.

We work closely with external agencies where needed, including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, health visitors, school nurses and specialist teachers.

Our SENDCo

Mrs T. Cansdale is our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. She:

· Oversees SEND provision across the school

· Works closely with teachers, support staff and families

· Coordinates assessments and personalised plans

· Liaises with external professionals

· Ensures statutory responsibilities are met

If you would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with Mrs Cansdale.

Our Inclusion Team

At St John’s, we recognise that inclusion is a whole-school responsibility. Our Inclusion Team works together to ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to succeed.

SENDCo & Headteacher – Mrs Cansdale

Leads the Inclusion Team and ensures that reasonable adjustments and personalised support are in place for pupils with additional needs.

Pupil & Parent Voice Lead – Miss Weatherburn

Ensures that children and families are actively involved in creating and reviewing learning plans. She also runs our Natter Network drop-ins, where parents can talk informally about concerns or questions regarding their child’s progress.

Pastoral Lead – Mrs Campbell

Currently qualifying as a play therapist. She delivers a range of pastoral and therapeutic interventions to support emotional wellbeing, resilience and social development.

Family Liaison Worker & Deputy DSL – Mrs Cope

Supports families by coordinating multi-agency meetings and ensuring strong communication between school and external services such as the school nurse, health visitors and social care.

EYFS Lead – Miss Hall

Plays a key role in early identification and early intervention for children in Nursery and Reception, helping us to “close the gap” as early as possible.

Working in Partnership With Parents

We know that parents and carers are the experts on their children. We value your insight and work closely with you to:

· Identify needs early

· Agree support strategies

· Review progress

· Celebrate successes

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, learning or wellbeing, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the SENDCo.