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SEND

Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

At Old Priory Junior Academy, we believe that every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. We are proud to be an inclusive school where the needs of all children are met with care, understanding, and high expectations.

Our approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) helps us to:

  • Offer equal opportunities for every child
  • Encourage respect, kindness, and understanding of each other’s differences
  • Maintain high aspirations for all our pupils
  • Teach in a way that celebrates each child’s individual strengths and needs
  • Create a safe, happy, and welcoming environment where children feel listened to and respected
  • Build strong partnerships with parents and carers through open and positive communication

You can read more about our commitment to inclusion in our SEND policy, linked at the bottom of this page.

Our school’s SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) is Miss Teresa Roberts and can be contacted on:-

01752 338199

The SEN Code of Practice

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice sets out how schools and local authorities should identify, assess, and support children and young people with SEND. The most recent version came into effect in September 2014 and was updated in 2015.

What Does This Mean for Families?

Since 2014, all local authorities have been required to share clear information about the services available for children and young people aged 0–25 who have special educational needs or disabilities. This is called the Local Offer.

The Local Offer is part of the Children and Families Act, which aims to improve support for children and families. Each school must also publish a yearly SEND Information Report to show how it supports pupils with additional needs.

What Is the Local Offer?

The Local Offer gives families information about:

  • The services and support available in the local area
  • How children’s needs are identified and assessed
  • How schools, nurseries, and colleges support children with SEND
  • How to access services and understand how decisions are made
  • Support to help children prepare for adulthood and independence
  • How to raise a concern or make a complaint
  • Ways to share feedback on local services

Why Is the Local Offer Important?

The Local Offer helps parents, carers, and young people see what support is available in their area — and how to access it.

For details about services and support for children and young people aged 0–25 in Plymouth, please visit:

https://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/article/182/SEND-Local-Offer

SEND Information Report

All schools are required by law (under Section 65(3)(a) of the Special Educational Needs (Information) Regulations 2014) to publish a yearly SEND Information Report. This report explains how we identify and support children with additional needs at Old Priory Junior Academy.

The St Mary’s Priory SEND Information Report link can be found at the bottom of this page.

Accessibility Plan

The SEN and Disability Act 2001 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) require schools to make sure that all children can access education and school life fully. This means we:

  1. Treat all pupils fairly, making sure no child is disadvantaged because of their disability
  2. Make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to learning and participation
  3. Plan ahead to improve access to all areas of school life

Our Accessibility Plan sets out how we will:

  • Make sure all pupils can take part fully in the curriculum
  • Continue improving our school environment so every child can benefit from all opportunities
  • Ensure that information is available in ways that meet the needs of all learners

This plan is regularly reviewed and updated so that we can keep making our school a place where everyone belongs and thrives.

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