Special Educational Needs and Disability
We are proud to be an inclusive school. Our school provides a broad and balanced curriculum for all our children. We try to ensure that the Special Educational Needs of children are identified early. If a child has a Special Educational Need or Disability we aim to create an environment to meet that need.
Our school SENCO is Mrs Lucie Thornthwaite who is contactable by phone on 01900 606050 or by email at lthornthwaite@stgregorys.cumbria.sch.uk.
If you are worried about your child’s progress in school, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance. However, Mrs Thornthwaite is able to discuss any worries or concerns you may have about your child’s needs.
Our Inclusion Team
Our school SENCO is Mrs Lucie Thornthwaite
If you are worried about your child’s progress in school, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance. However, Mrs Thornthwaite is able to discuss any worries or concerns you may have about your child’s needs.
Tel: 01900 606050
Email: lthornthwaite@stgregorys.cumbria.sch.uk
Her role includes:
- Supporting the identification of children with special educational needs.
- Co-ordinating provision for children with SEN.
- Liaising with parents of children with SEN.
- Liaising with other providers, outside agencies, educational psychologists and external agencies.
- Ensuring that the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEN up to date.
Our school Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is Miss Wilson
Miss Wilson is currently training to be an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and delivers individual and small group interventions for issues such as friendship, social skills, emotional regulation and sensory. Miss Wilson also supports pupils in their transitions to and from school and for nurture time outside of the classroom.
Our school Counsellor is Mrs Debbie Johnston
Mrs Johnston offers support through one to one counselling sessions for a range of issues including trauma, bereavement and anxiety. Mrs Johnston uses tools such as sand tray therapy, play therapy and CBT and offers a safe space for children to discuss their worries.
If you would like your child referred to Mrs Johnston please contact Mrs Thornthwaite.
We also fortunate to work alongside Barnardo’s Educational Mental Health Practitioners who deliver one to one and small group interventions.
Our provision
At St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School we use a 4 wave provision to ensure all children access support for their needs.
For an overview of our provision, you can view our ‘St Gregory’s Provision Map’ in the Documents section at the bottom of this page.
Five a Day Principle
We aim to improve the outcomes of all pupils including those with SEND. Therefore we are adopting the EEF 5 a day approach as strategies in our classrooms.
Parent Information
If your child is identified as having special educational needs we aim to meet with you termly either face to face or over the phone to discuss your child’s progress and the support they receive.
However if you would like to discuss your child at any time please contact Mrs Thornthwaite on 01900 606050 or email lthornthwaite@stgregorys.cumbria.sch.uk
Parent Support
SEND IASS
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) provide information, advice and support at any stage of a child or young person’s education, and they provide an Independent Supporter for families in the process of getting an Education Health and Care Plan. They specialise in education matters but can support with social care and health issues by signposting to partners. This is an impartial confidential service. They provide information, advice and support for
- parents and carers of children with special educational needs
- children and young people up to the age of 25 years
IPSEA
Information, Advice and Support Agency Network offers independent advice and support to parents and carers of all children and young people with SEND and will direct visitors to their nearest IAS service.
For parents who are unhappy with the Local Authority or school responses to their child’s SEND, parents may seek mediation from the regional mediation services.
Parents and carers can also appeal to the Government’s SEND tribunal if you disagree with the Local Authorities decisions about your child’s special educational needs. You can also appeal to the tribunal if the school or council has discriminated against your disabled child.
CONTACT
‘For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability, we’re here.’
Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information and they bring families together to support each other. They have a fantastic website full of practical advice and support. Please check it out!
Useful Links
Advice and Guidance for Winter Holidays
Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Dyslexia
If you are concerned that your child may have traits of dyslexia, some helpful information and websites are listed below. If you would like to speak to your child’s class teacher and the SENCO to discuss this further, please make an appointment to do so.
Family Funding
If your child has special needs or is awaiting a diagnosis you could be entitled to funding towards holidays, devices, sensory toys and more. Click on the link for more information and to apply.
Other Useful Information
Other useful resources and information for parents and carers.