Witamy w kościele św. Bernadety
Learn to love, love to learn
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FAQ
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How do I meet with the SENDCo?
The SENDCo holds a monthly SEND Clinic, where parents and carers can book appointments to discuss SEND-related concerns or seek advice.
To request an appointment, please complete the request form using the QR code below.
To ensure concerns are addressed as quickly as possible, we ask that you first speak with your child's class teacher. Class teachers know your child best and are responsible for their day-to-day learning. They are best placed to discuss your child's progress, the adaptations already in place and any next steps.
If further SEND support is required, the class teacher will work alongside the SENDCo through our graduated approach. SEND Clinic appointments are offered at the discretion of the SENDCo and are arranged where additional discussion or specialist input is appropriate.
How do I contact the SENDCo?
You can contact the SENDCo by emailing
Please allow up to five working days for a response during term time. If your enquiry relates to your child's day-to-day learning, we encourage you to speak with your child's class teacher in the first instance.
Does my child need a one-to-one teaching assistant?
Not necessarily. Research shows that children with SEND often make the best progress when they are supported through high-quality teaching, carefully planned adaptations and opportunities to develop independence alongside their peers.
A dedicated one-to-one adult is not the right provision for most children and can sometimes unintentionally reduce independence, limit opportunities to build relationships with other children and increase reliance on adult support.
At St Bernadette's, support is personalised to each child's needs and may include adapted teaching, small-group work, targeted interventions, specialist resources or additional adult support where appropriate.
In a small number of cases, a child may require dedicated individual adult support. This is only considered where there is clear evidence that it is necessary to meet significant needs and is usually specified within an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Does my child need an EHCP?
Most children with SEND do not need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Schools are expected to meet the needs of the majority of children with SEND through Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision and the graduated approach using the resources already available within school. You can find out more about the Ordinarily Available Guidance here: https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/online-ordinarily-available-guidance/
An EHCP is only considered where a child has significant and long-term needs that require provision beyond what a mainstream school can reasonably provide from its own resources.
Before an EHCP is considered, schools will normally have worked closely with families and external professionals, gathered evidence over time and reviewed the impact of support that has already been put in place.
If we believe an EHCP assessment may be appropriate, we will discuss this with you and explain the process.
Can I request an EHCP myself?
Yes.
Parents and carers have the legal right to request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment directly from the Local Authority.
However, we would always encourage you to discuss your concerns with school first. We can explain the process, review the support already in place and work collaboratively with you to decide whether requesting an assessment is the most appropriate next step.
Further information about Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments can be found on Birmingham Local Offer. https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/education-health-and-care-plan/
How will I know if my child has SEND?
Every child develops and learns at their own pace. If your child's class teacher identifies that they may need additional support, they will begin by adapting their teaching and monitoring your child's progress through our graduated approach.
You may also have concerns at home. We encourage you to share these with your child's class teacher as soon as possible so that we can work together to understand your child's strengths and any areas where they may need support.
If, despite appropriate support and adaptations, your child continues to experience significant barriers to learning, the class teacher will work alongside the SENDCo to consider whether they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The class teacher will then have a discussion with you and ask for your consent for your child to be added to the SEND register.
What happens if my child is added to the SEND Register?
Being placed on the SEND Register means we have identified that your child requires provision that is additional to or different from that which is ordinarily available for pupils of the same age.
This does not change the high expectations we have for your child. Instead, it allows us to plan, monitor and review personalised support to help them achieve their full potential.
You will be involved throughout the process and your child's progress will be reviewed regularly using the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle.
My child is on the SEND Register. Will they always remain on it?
Not necessarily.
The SEND Register is reviewed regularly. Some children require additional support for a short period of time before making sufficient progress and no longer needing SEND provision. Others may require ongoing support throughout their education.
Our aim is always to provide the right level of support for each child based on their current needs.
My child is struggling. Does that mean they have SEND?
Not always.
Children can experience difficulties for many different reasons, including gaps in learning, changes in circumstances, attendance, English as an Additional Language (EAL), emotional wellbeing or temporary challenges.
Not every child who requires additional support has SEND.
Our first step is always to understand the reason for any difficulties and put appropriate support in place. If concerns continue despite this support, we may consider whether your child has SEND.
