SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) at Starks Field

Our vision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people – that they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college, and lead happy and fulfilled lives. (SEN Code of Practice 2015)

At Starks Field we value every child and welcome children with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). Our inclusive approach to learning ensures all children are provided with opportunities to be challenged at a level that is appropriate for them. We identify children who need further support or additional resources through our regular Pupil Progress Meetings, through classroom observations and through discussions with staff and families.

All children with SEND are catered for through quality first teaching as a first step. Once identified we carefully monitor children with specific needs by setting up an IEP (Individual Education Plan); these are reviewed termly with parents/carers, the class teacher and SENDCo. Children who have EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) are supported either one to one, in a small group in the mainstream class or in a smaller group outside the classroom. Each child with a special educational need or disability is valued.

We are very proud of our learning space and have spacious classrooms to allow for specific learning environments. We also have a sensory area, separate toilets, as well as an eating area to help the children to develop vital self-help and life skills. We use elements of the TEACCH priorities, PECs, visuals and zones of regulation as part of our toolkit to provide the very best learning environment.

ASD Provision

We also have a ten-place specialised provision for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Ash Class caters for children for children with autism from Year 3 to Year 6 (KS2). Children are supported by a specialist teacher and practitioners who are committed to improving their outcomes. Our aim is to enable the children to develop the skills they need in education and life.The children are at the forefront of our thinking and therefore we have designed a curriculum around their needs. This puts the child at the centre to ensure a holistic approach in their learning at all times, so they are receiving the education they require and deserve. Each topic is designed to be meaningful and relatable to each individual child, with core life skills and key academic lessons woven into the curriculum. This ensures that the children have the opportunity to engage in learning throughout their school day. Ash Class is in the middle of our school and its pupils are included in all aspects of school life that they feel able to access, for example their mainstream classroom for some lessons, the lunch hall, the playground and assemblies.

We do not have a waiting list for Ash Class as all admissions must go through a consultation process by SEN Services at Enfield Council. The child must have an Educational, Health, Care Plan (EHCP) and a diagnosis of ASD.

Outside Professionals

At Starks Field we encourage working partnerships and supportive relationships between professionals, parents/carers and children. We understand that some families need support to access professionals; we ensure that an open dialogue is created where parents can feel comfortable and confident to approach us with concerns they may have to support them to make informed decisions about their child’s education. The SENDCo works closely with families and professionals to allow the very best outcomes for the child to be achieved. We work closely with outside agencies and professionals to ensure the very best outcomes for our children.

Parent/Carer Partnership

We believe working closely with parents/carers is essential, especially if your child has an additional need. Our home school books provide an important communication link between home and school. Class teachers keep in regular contact with parents/carers and are available to discuss any concerns you may have. We actively encourage parents/carers to be part of their child’s school life. Mrs Neocleous, the SENDCo, is available to support any parent’s specific SEND queries or concerns.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding SEND at Starks Field or would like to visit our school, please contact the school office on 020 8887 6060 or Mrs Neocleous on p.neocleous@starksfield.enfield.sch.uk.

Please see the documents below for more information/useful links: