Key contacts

Acting SENCO Mrs S Hawkins

Tel: 01892 527444

Email: send@sgschool.org.uk

Named SEND Governor: Mrs Lou Underwood

Email: office@sgschool.org.uk

Special Educational Needs and Disability Department (SEND Department)

At St Gregory’s Catholic School, we believe strongly in inclusive education and strive to ensure that every young person attending our school feels valued and respected, flourishes in their own way reaching their full potential and becoming proactive and outstanding members of the society.  

At St Gregory’s Catholic School, students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) are actively involved into the life of the school. We believe that students learn most effectively when they feel valued and their efforts and achievements are recognised. Our SEND team do not operate in isolation. All teaching and support staff work closely with the team to ensure that the learning needs of students are identified, addressed and regularly monitored. The views of the students and parents are equally essential in planning and the monitoring of progress.

The Curriculum for students with SEND is the Curriculum offered to all students, including those with SEND. However, it is important to recognise and develop the different learning style of individuals.  All teachers in every department have the responsibility to provide the learning opportunities necessary to meet all students needs and to ensure the progress of students with SEN and/or Disability. SEND provision, in conjunction with our excellent pastoral care, reflects our school’s Mission Statement which is to provide a world class Catholic education through our outstanding and inclusive Christian approach. Our students are empowered to be their very best, making a positive difference in society.

When offers for places have been made, primary schools are requested to send the SENCO the names and details of all students with SEND. Therefore, there can be early identification of a particular need or difficulty, prior to admission in September.

The SENCO may also be invited to attend Transition Review for students with EHCPs in the Summer Term prior to the student’s admission. This helps to ensure a smooth transition from Key Stage 2.

The following methods are used as a baseline assessment and to further identify students with SEND:

• The school’s and LA’s transfer procedures
• Year 6 Standardised Assessment
• Cognitive Ability Tests in Year 7
• The recording of initial concerns other than those already identified, in line with the recommendations in SEND Code of Practice and the Disability Discrimination Act 2010

Levels of difficulty are categorised under four headings.

• Communication and Interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

When a student has been identified as having SEND, their name is added to the SEND Register. All members of staff have access to the Register which is regularly revised so that staff are aware of any changes.  Students with SEND are encouraged and supported to work in a combination of streamed and mixed ability classes with their peers. Support is provided which is appropriate to their needs of the students using a combination of:

• Teaching Assistant Support
• 1:1 support and intervention
• In class support
• Small group intensive work
• Social skills training and support
• Reading and Comprehension support
• Study Skills Support
• A Break and Lunch club
• Emotional Literacy support
• Careers advice and support
• Speech and Language programmes
• Special Examination Arrangements
• In school counselling services, including support from Place2Be

St Gregory’s Catholic School benefits from the established working relationships with a range of external professionals. 

Members of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Department are committed to ongoing personal and professional development to extend their knowledge and expertise. Opportunities are also given for all staff to benefit from a range of twilight INSETs on SEND issues including policy and practice.

Any concerns regarding SEND provision in the school are dealt with initially by the SENCO. The Academy Principal and the line manager for SEND are also available to assist in addressing any unresolved issues. Subsequently any matters will be referred to the SEND Link Governor and the Academy Committee.

Special Educational Needs & Disability Policy

To view the SEND Policy click here.

Useful Links:

Our Intent Implementation and Impact Statement: Intent Implementation and Impact

Local offer: Kent SEND Information Hub

A link to Kent Strategy: Kent Strategy

Information about teaching standards: Kent Core Standard