At Exeter Cathedral School we recognise and celebrate the whole child. Sometimes, a child may experience a learning difference. Where this is the case, we will be guided by the child’s specific needs and put support in place. The child may have a diagnosis of a condition or be presenting with characteristics of one or more Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
Exeter Cathedral School employs a fully qualified Special Needs and/or Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) who supports staff in the early identification of a child’s needs and assists teachers in putting provision in place. In the first instance, this will be through modifications to teaching approaches and the classroom environment. Small group sessions may also be run by experienced staff on a regular basis, working on specific targets related to a child’s learning. Furthermore, the SENDCo will liaise with parents, external agencies, where appropriate, and most importantly the child to ensure all voices are heard.
The SEND Code of Practice (2015) outlines the four key areas of need as Communication and Interaction (including Speech and Language difficulties and Autism Spectrum Condition), Cognition and Learning (including Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (including ADHD and attachment needs) and Physical and Sensory needs (including Hearing and Visual Impairment). The children we work with at Exeter Cathedral School have a range of needs across the four areas.
We use a graduated response when working with a child with SEND. Initially the class teacher and SENDCo will discuss and explore how the child presents, often in collaboration with parents and families, to assess the child’s needs. Together they would then plan provision to best support the child and then action this plan. The support provided and the progress of the child will be regularly reviewed, and the cyclical approach would begin again.
Please see the School’s Learning Support policy for more in-depth information.
Please contact Mrs Clare Standing, our Head of Learning Support, to find out more about Learning Support at Exeter Cathedral School: [email protected]
