Special Education Needs
New Code of Practice
The school bases its Special Educational Needs provision on the principles within the new Code of Practice. It is the governors´ policy to ensure that all students, including those with statements, have full access to a broad and balanced curriculum, including the National Curriculum.
Teaching and assessment arrangements are at a level appropriate to the needs of the student and the school is committed to ensuring that statements requiring special provision are fully implemented.
The school has a SEN co-ordinator, Miss S Edwards, who liaises with parents and external agencies. The SENCO, in consultation with the Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum) and KS3 & KS4 Co-ordinators, co-ordinates the day to day provision for students with special educational needs.
The admission arrangements for SEN students who do not have a statement are the same as for all other students. Modifications to the school building have been made when required by specific statements. As a result of the recent building programme, the school has a lift enabling disabled access to the first floor. Governors set aside financial resources within the budget that will permit a favourable student teacher ratio and provide a full-time support teacher to assist the work of the SENCO.
The school employs six Learning Support Assistants and nine Support Assistants, who support students learning in the classroom. Appropriate learning materials are resourced mainly through each curriculum area.
Diagnostic Screening Tests
The needs of pupils are identified and assessed through a number of procedures, including diagnostic screening tests on entry to the school. Prior to admission to Wallasey School, information about the special educational needs of pupils is sought from the primary school and is communicated to the teaching staff.
A SEN register is maintained; pupils on the register have an individual education plan (IEP) and their progress is regularly monitored. Pupils with Special Educational Needs are fully integrated into Wallasey School. Pupils are taught in ability groups for the majority of subjects, and in form groups for some subjects. For the vast majority of time, children with SEN work alongside their peers in the regular classroom situation.
Specialist support teachers work with special needs pupils in English, Maths, and Humanities providing either small group work or in-class support. Additional support is also provided through basic skills lessons during Years 7, 8 and 9.
The governing body has delegated one of its members to take special responsibility for SEN. Any parent who has reason to complain about Special Needs provision for their child, is invited to first discuss the problem with the schools SENCO. They may, however, choose to contact the Headteacher or the governor with responsibility for SEN.
Special Needs Related Training for our Staff
The school operates a planned programme of in-service training for staff including training related to special needs. At Wallasey School, all teachers promote the development of basic skills, which are a part of special educational needs. The school works closely with the LEA support services who visit the school to work with particular pupils on a regular basis.
The school SENCO keeps parents of children with special educational needs informed and involved. Parent consultation meetings and written reports are provided annually for all pupils. Parents are also invited to join in evening workshops provided by the school, to help them support their child’s learning. Wallasey School maintains excellent relationships with external support agencies.
Links are maintained between Wallasey School and the special schools in Wirral, with provision being made for transition of pupils between them. The school works to ensure the continuity of provision for all individuals with special educational needs, not only on transfer from primary to secondary school, but also at the stage of progression from school to college.
Within Excellence in Wirral, the school benefits from the additional support of four Learning Mentors and an extensive curriculum enrichment programme for gifted and talented pupils
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