The Importance of provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities
Dolton is a mainstream school who believe that everyone has the right to be educated and be part of our school community. We are committed to the promotion of equality and diversity. In so doing, we realise the valuable contribution, which all members of the school community can make to our school.
In recent years approximately 15% of children within our school have been deemed to have a special educational need or disability of one kind or another. Children have a special educational need if they have a learning difficulty, which requires additional or specific provision to be put in place for them.
The curriculum and learning environment
Every child at Dolton will access high quality teaching which takes account of pupil’s differing needs. We are proud of our creative curriculum throughout the school which allows children to learn in a variety of ways, become independent learners, thrive in areas of strength and gain confidence in areas of weakness. Where appropriate the curriculum will be adapted and reasonable adjustments will be made to meet the range of special educational needs in our school. Where children are in need of additional support, where possible this will be provided within the classroom setting to allow for full inclusion, it may also be given through small group sessions in addition to their usual classroom provision. Teachers and teaching assistants will provide a tailored and personalised approach in line with a child’s individual My Plan or EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). As a school we will endeavour to secure the special educational provision required by the child.
School trips are an important part of a child’s education we make every effort to provide these opportunities to every child in our school. Where necessary we will seek support of parents or other appropriate adults to support children with SEND to partake in school trips as well as extracurricular activities. Arrangements will be made to ensure all children can fully contribute to every aspect of school life.
Accessibility of our school
We are a readily accessible school; our school has no stairs into the school building and is set on one level throughout, we have large doorways accessible by wheelchairs. We have large disabled changing and toilet facilities as well as a disabled parking bay. Should any additional equipment or services be require the SENDCo and Head teacher work together to secure this where necessary. Our outdoor area has recently been improved and is now largely accessible to people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
Supporting the overall well-being of children with SEND
Supporting children's well being is of paramount importance to use at Dolton. All staff at our school work hard to support the well-being of every child; within the classroom we have a ‘reflective area’ where children can have a moment to themselves, share concerns and worries with their peers or members of staff (directly or through a ‘worry box’), we also have a caring and honest relationship with all children and ensure there are opportunities for children to talk to adults for support. The head teacher and SENDCo share information on a weekly basis, or when relevant, to provide a holistic approach for children and parents.
Parental Involvement
The role of parents and carers is very important and we seek to support the partnership between school and home. Parents are encouraged to become involved or are included in their child’s learning in the following ways:
- Learning that is sent home;
- Regularly meeting with the class teacher and SENDCo;
- Consultation with parents regarding targets and next steps for their child;
- Attendance and contributions to reviews of their child’s learning;
- Volunteering to support learning and activities within school, on school trips and through extracurricular activities;
- An annual report is provided for parents on their child’s progress as well as two parent/teacher consulations;
Complaints procedures:
If you have a complaint, please first go to your child’s class teacher, if your complaint is not resolved, please speak to the SENDCo or Headteacher.
Roles and Responsibilities in Our Schools
Head Teacher: Mrs Samantha Drew
SENDCo: Mrs Samantha Drew
SEND LSC member: Mrs Kate Ripley
Local Offer within Devon
Dolton is committed to ensuring all children have the best possible start to life, some children may need additional support through their education. To support schools and parents in Devon County Council provide a ‘Local Offer’ which can be found via the link below. The Local Offer website provides information and access to a range of services for children and young people between the ages of 0-25 years.
Devon’s Local Offer for SENDCo
SEND Information Report - The Clinton and Dolton Church of England Schools 2023-2024 (1) (1)