As a UNICEF Level 2 Rights Respecting School (click here for more information), the school takes the personal development and well-being of children very seriously.
We know that children are unlikely to flourish unless they are developing positive relationships, feel safe and are adopting healthy life styles.
We also know that some children with SEND are particularly vulnerable when it comes to making and keeping friendships.
We address many of these issues in our PHSE (Personal Health and Social Education) curriculum.
We encourage children to develop confidence and resilience through teaching, social play opportunities and through more targeted support where this is needed.
We promote positive behaviour as part of our philosophy of learning – for example, through group and paired work.
You can read more about our approach to behaviour in our policy.
We have a zero tolerance of bullying and talk about all aspects of bullying in assemblies and lessons: we have very little bullying in our school but when it does occur we work with the children involved to make sure that it does not happen again.
Anti-bullying guidance is also found in our behaviour policy and the children’s anti-bullying policy.
We provide expert help for any child who is experiencing any difficulties with behaviour or relationships from well-trained staff: for example the school’s Learning Mentor, the SENDCo. or one of our colleagues in the MHST (Mental Health Support Team). We will always consult and involve parents in the decision to offer this support. Our specialist help includes:
When a child returns to school after a fixed-term exclusion, the headteacher or member of the leadership team meets the parents and child together to agree a support plan to help her or him settle back into school and make good progress in learning.
We have a “playground buddies” system – older children (and some of these have SEND) help children in the playground to join in games and activities and “mediate” when there are arguments and disputes.
We make sure that our school council is representative of the population of the school – we currently have four children (20%) with SEND serving on the Council.
We have an up to date policy on how we manage medical needs.
A senior leader has responsibility for Health and Safety concerns across the school.
Children with serious medical needs have an Individual Health Care Plan which sets out
- The medical condition and resulting needs, e.g. medication and treatment; environmental issues
- Support for educational and emotional needs
- Who provides support: their role and training and who needs to be aware
- Arrangements for working with parents/carers
- Support for long term absence
- Support on School trips and journeys
- Emergency procedures
When a child with medical needs is absent long term from school we make sure we keep her or him in touch with learning and friendships.
The Inclusion Team, in partnership with the school nurse, have responsibility for the Individual Health Care Plans and carry out staff training in order to meet the specific medical needs of the child, such as Epipen training.
We support all children to attend school regularly, for example through providing an enjoyable and stimulating curriculum and through home support where this is needed. Our policy on attendance describes why and how we promote high attendance for all children.
We provide specialist support and up to date training for staff on safeguarding, keeping children safe and meeting children’s emotional needs.
All of our staff and governors have an up to date DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service).
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are Laura Lien, Helen Bruckdorfer and Michelle Rae. All of our staff are trained in safeguarding which is updated regularly.
