SEND & Inclusion

Students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), including those with Education Healthcare Plans (EHCPs), are able to obtain extra help and guidance with their studies from the SEND team. There is a specially equipped department within the Academy, staffed by experienced Teaching Assistants under the leadership of the SENDCO. To assist them in their work, the Academy also has a Student Welfare Officer who works closely with the Educational Welfare Officer. The Academy also benefits from the expertise of an Educational Psychologist to assist in the process of diagnosis and support for students with special educational needs as well as a range of external provision for speech and language, visual and auditory impairment, counselling and mental health.

SEND provision takes the form of supporting individual students within the classroom as well as by withdrawal of small groups or individuals for extra work with basic skills. Wherever possible, programmes are arranged to minimise the effect on the main curriculum. The SEND team also offers advice and strategies to staff to assist them with their teaching of children within their classes who may require extra help and guidance.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • SENDCO Primary – Nicola Burbridge
  • SENDCO Secondary - Lydia Bodley

The SENCO is responsible for ensuring provision is made for the inclusion of students with SEND and quality assuring this provision to ensure impact. Also responsible for the drafting of statements and bids for top up funding.

  • Assistant Vice Principal Secondary – Katy Reeves
  • Assistant Vice Principal Inclusion Primary - Nicola Burbridge

The responsibility of AVP Inclusion is to ensure students with additional needs have the best available access to and support for their needs and to hold the SENCO to account for the provision they put in place.

  • Head of Secondary – Brendan Hesketh - Acting Interim
  • Vice Principal Welfare - Secondary - Bianca Ramsden
  • Head of Primary - Geeta Verrell

The responsibility of the Vice Principal is to ensure progress of all vulnerable groups and to hold the AVP Inclusion and the SENCO to account.

Information on where the Local Authority’s Local Offer can be found at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/web/bristol-local-offer

The SEN Code of Practice key changes

The Code of Practice (2015) covers the 0-25 age range and includes guidance relating to disabled children and young people as well as those with SEN

  • There is a clearer focus on the participation of children and young people and parents in decision-making at individual and strategic levels
  • There is a stronger focus on high aspirations and on improving outcomes for children and young people
  • It includes guidance on the joint planning and commissioning of services to ensure close co-operation between education, health and social care
  • It includes guidance on publishing a Local Offer of support for children and young people with SEN or disabilities
  •  For children and young people with more complex needs a co-ordinated assessment process and the new 0-25 Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan) replace statements and Learning Difficulty Assessments (LDAs)
  • There is a greater focus on support that enables those with SEN to succeed in their education and make a successful transition to adulthood

To see the SEN Code of Practice, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/398815/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf