SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)
At Cherry Garden Primary we are committed to providing a broad, balanced and accessible curriculum for every child and will work with families and fellow professionals to make this a reality.
Some children may start school with a clearly identified special need or disability, for example, limited mobility or autism. Other children may not display signs of a special need until later in their primary education, for example, they may struggle learning to read or have difficulty retaining information. Teachers monitor children's progress regularly and will alert families if they have any concerns about their child. This will not necessarily mean the child has a special need but it is a way of beginning a dialogue about our concerns.
The school's SENCo, Miss Lucy Cook, works to support staff in planning for the specific needs of SEND pupils. Miss Cook will also work with families where a clear need has been identified or where there are concerns that a child's need is becoming a barrier to their learning. If you would like to speak with Miss Cook, please contact the school using the Contact Us section and she will get in touch.
If your child attends our school and you believe they might have a special need or you are concerned about their physical or mental health, please start by making an appointment with their class teacher. They will be able to talk through your concerns and either plan a way forward or signpost you to another member of staff or professional should the situation require it.
SEND Report for Families
The annual SEND report for families which includes information on provision, process and outcomes for pupils, can be downloaded here. This covers our current academic year and will usually be updated by the end of October each year.
SEND Policy
The school has a clear policy for SEND. This was developed in conjunction with several local schools to ensure consistency of practice.
South Gloucestershire Local Offer
The local authority's 'local offer' sets out the range of services and provision within the local area. This can be found on their website.
Information for families
We understand that finding out your child has a special need or being told that a professional is concerned about your child, can be a worrying or upsetting experience for families. The first things to remember is that you are not alone. Many people have been through similar experiences with their own child and lots of them have shared their wisdom in order to support other families. There are a range of excellent resources available online - please follow the links below to find out more.
Understanding Childhood
This website publishes a series of useful leaflets to help raise emotionally secure children. These range from dealing with divorce through to bereavement and sibling rivalry.
Young Minds
This is a UK charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. They provide support for a range of needs including ADHD.
Dyslexia Action
This site provides information about dyslexia and how it can affect children and young people.
NHS Choices
NHS choices contains a huge amount of information about a wide range of physical and mental health topics.
The National Autistic Society
The NAS are a registered charity who provide information, support and pioneering service for people living with autism and their families.
One Big Database
One Big Database contains a wide range of contacts for services (both specialist and non-specialist).