SEND Provision
Our aim at Whiteheath Junior School is to encourage the development of all children and to ensure that pupils have a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which is related to their abilities.
Care is taken to plan work that is accessible to all pupils and to provide a learning environment that both challenges and supports them in making progress.
The school employs support staff to aid children’s learning. This support may be provided within class, in small withdrawal groups or one-to-one. Our children and families are also supported by our Pastoral Leader, Mrs Ventin.
The needs of most children are met within the class by adapted tasks and group work. All children are monitored and any particular needs are discussed with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo). The progress and attainment of all children is monitored closely and interventions which provide support for learning are put in place where appropriate.
Where a child continues to experience some difficulty with learning, for whatever reason, there is a Special Needs Policy, which sets out procedures for providing support. This policy implements the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.
The government's SEND code of practice highlights four broad areas of SEND needs.
Communication and interaction
Children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) who have difficulty understanding and communicating with others. This may include those with ASD, including Asperger Syndrome and Autism.
Cognition and learning
Children and young people who learn at a slower pace than their peers, and those with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). For example dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia.
Social, emotional, and health difficulties
Children who may be withdrawn or isolated, as well as those displaying challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviours. The code states these behaviours may reflect underlying mental health difficulties. For example, anxiety or depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders or physical symptoms that are medically unexplained.
Sensory and/or physical needs
This includes children with a disability that prevents or hinders them from making full use of general educational facilities. For example, those with visual or hearing impairments, multi-sensory impairments, and/or physical disabilities.
Where appropriate outside agencies may be asked for advice, or may be involved in assessing the child’s needs or in providing support. This is always discussed with parents first and their consent is necessary for any referral to be made.
The school aims to involve parents in their child's learning. Parents are consulted at all stages about possible steps to support their children. Children may be placed on the School’s Special Needs Register. All pupils placed on the school's SEN Register will be supported by a Learning Plan which details how the school will provide for and meet their needs. It may sometimes be thought appropriate by school and parents to seek further advice and support.
If appropriate, the school will work alongside parents and other agencies to put in place applications for Early Support Funding or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This plan will detail the specific, specialist provision required to meet the pupil's needs, the support the will be provided and, where appropriate, targets. Regular review meetings are held in respect of all pupils identified on the SEN Register and parents are invited to attend these meetings.
Parents are welcome to make an appointment if they have concerns about the provision made for their child's special needs. This may be with the class teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator or Headteacher, as appropriate.
Our SENDCo is Mrs Manfredi. She is responsible for overseeing the support for children with Special Educational Needs. She can be contacted on - sendco@whiteheath-jun.hillingdon.sch.uk
We are very proud of our provision for children with Special Education Needs, and other needs - we were awarded the Inclusion Mark in January 2023.
If you have any concerns or your think your child may have special educational needs, please contact your child's class in the first instance.
Hillingdon SEND Local Offer (links)
The Hillingdon SEND Local Offer website provides information, advice and guidance for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities, e.g.
Care and Support directory (including SEND specific calendar)
Education and learning information (types of schools, EHCP processes, transport)
ASD Pathway
And much more...
We would like to encourage every school and childcare setting in the borough to promote the Hillingdon Local Offer by including the link in the SEND section of your website:
SEND local offer - Hillingdon Council
We also welcome any feedback that you have about the website. This can be provided via the 'Have your say' section on the website. Hillingdon Council.