Introduction to SEND at Checkendon CE Primary School

Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Checkendon CE Primary School

At Checkendon CE Primary School, we understand that many children can find certain aspects of school challenging. Difficulties may include:

• Reading, writing, and mathematics

• Understanding information, other people, and expressing themselves

• Memory and organisational skills

• Sensory perception or physical mobility

• Managing behaviour

• Making friends or building positive relationships with adults

These challenges do not automatically mean your child has special educational needs, but in some cases, they can create barriers to learning.

Our approach

We believe that every child’s needs are unique, and we work in partnership with parents to ensure the best possible support. This includes:

• Listening to parents’ views and treating them as equal partners in decisions about their child’s education

• Monitoring children closely and keeping parents informed about strengths, needs, progress, and any extra support provided

• Accessing specialist advice from external agencies where appropriate

As highlighted in the Whole School SEND review report, “Children achieve best when schools, families, and professionals work together to understand individual strengths and needs, and plan interventions that are meaningful and tailored.” At Checkendon CE Primary, we take this to heart.

Parent feedback

We are proud that our parent surveys and feedback reflect the positive impact of our SEND provision:

• Children are happy and love school:
  "He still loves school! He loves you all!"
  "She is always excited to share what she’s learning."
  "We feel very lucky to be part of such a nurturing and caring school."

• Strong relationships and care:
  "Checkendon is a kind and nurturing environment where children thrive."
  "His report described him perfectly – thank you for knowing him so well."

• Clear progress and growing confidence:
  "His confidence has grown so much."
  "We are so proud of the progress she has made – especially in her reading."

• Support for transition and inclusion:
  "After a difficult start, he had a really good year thanks to the support."
  "Thank you for helping her feel so welcome and ensuring she settled in well."

As the reviewer from our recent Whole School SEND Review concluded, "Inclusion is not merely an idea, but a lived reality across the whole school community." We remain fully committed to ensuring every child is included, supported, and able to thrive.

Parent involvement

Parents of children with SEND are invited to meet with their child’s class teacher three times a year, in addition to regular parent evenings. These meetings provide the opportunity to discuss:

• How the school is supporting your child and whether it is working

• How your child feels about their learning and support

• Ways you can be involved at home and in school

Our mission for children with SEND

Our goal is to help every child thrive by:

• Understanding and recognising your child’s individual strengths and areas for development, helping to build confidence and self-esteem

• Identifying and removing barriers to learning, and providing strategies to overcome challenges

• Developing independent learners who are confident, resilient, and prepared for the next stage of their education

• Providing access to a tailored and differentiated curriculum, which may include targeted interventions specific to your child’s needs

As the Whole School SEND Review highlights, “Effective SEND provision fosters resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement in children, enabling them to engage fully in learning and life.” We strive to make this a reality for every child at Checkendon CE Primary.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s learning, please speak first with their class teacher. You are also welcome to contact me, our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), at the school office on 01491 680693.

Mrs. Sarah Hillier
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator