Special educational needs and disability

Special Educational Needs & Local Offer

At our school, we monitor all children's progress through regular assessments during the year. By tracking each pupil's progress, we aim to quickly identify and address any emerging needs, fostering an inclusive learning environment. We strive to identify and assess children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) as early as possible, with clear procedures in place for everyone involved in the educational process.

We believe in a collaborative approach, ensuring that parents are actively involved in the support process for their children. Class teachers or the Inclusion Manager will keep parents informed throughout the process. Here’s how our system works:

• Initial Support: We use the Ordinary Available Inclusive Practice document produced by West Sussex, to identify support for children with additional needs.
• Collaboration with Inclusion Manager: When initial support is insufficient, our staff collaborates with the Inclusion Manager to conduct assessments and screening tools to explore specific areas of need. Along with these assessments, we may request assistance from outside agencies such as the Local Behaviour and Attendance Team (LBAT) or the Autism Spectrum Condition Team (ASCT) to provide additional advice and support.
• Monitoring List: If necessary, the child may be placed on the SEND monitoring list, ensuring all staff are aware of the support required.
• SEND Register: If the support does not yield the desired impact, the child may be moved to the SEND register, where Individual Support Plans (ISPs) will be developed by the class teacher, Inclusion Manager, and parents.
• Regular Reviews: These ISPs will be reviewed three times a year, with active involvement from parents and the child in the process.
• Further Action: If the support remains ineffective, discussions with parents may lead to an application for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (ECHNA). This assessment will provide:
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough evaluation of the child's educational, health, and care needs, ensuring a holistic understanding of their requirements.
  • Tailored Support: Recommendations for specific support and resources that can be put in place to meet the child's unique needs.
  • Multi-Agency Collaboration: Involvement of various professionals, including educational psychologists, health specialists, and social care, to create a coordinated approach to the child's support.
  • Legal Entitlement: If granted, an EHC Plan will outline the support the child is legally entitled to, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and interventions to thrive in their educational setting.

We are committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive in their learning environment.

Inclusion Manager: Mrs Jo Eyre

Please contact via School Office on 01798 831612

Please click on the links below for further information about our school:

• SEND Policy 
• SEND Information Report 2025
• Accessibility Plan

West Sussex SEND Local Offer

The SEND Local Offer provides information about the support available for children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Find the SEND Local Offer at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/local-offer. You can also email the team on localoffer@westsussex.gov.uk or phone on 01243 777807 and ask for Local Offer. The SEND Local Offer team can provide information in an alternative format on request.

The West Sussex Parent Carer Forum

We know how overwhelming it can be to know what support is/should be in place when a child or young person is struggling at school. So, we’ve created a clear, practical guide to help parent carers understand what support should look like for children and young people in mainstream education.

Inside the guide, you’ll find:

• What support can be in place without an EHCP
• Practical examples of inclusive practice
• Checklists and tools to help parent carers prepare for conversations with their child’s setting
• Simple explanations written by parent carers, for parent carers

We hope this guide helps parent carers feel informed, confident and empowered. Please click here to download the guide.

 Other useful sites:

• West Sussex SENDIAS, provide impartial information, advice and support.
• Four areas of SEND explained (part of the Local Offer)
• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provide children and young people’s mental health services across Sussex.
• British Dyslexia Association for support or advise on Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.
• Made by Dyslexia  - How to spot, support & empower your dyslexic child.
• A-Z mental health guide from Young Minds, a charity supporting mental health. Areas of support include ADHD, Autism and Social Media.  

SEN Glossary

The world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can often be overwhelming due to the numerous acronyms and specialised language used. To help you navigate this terminology, you can refer to a useful SEND glossary available online. Click here to access a glossary and enhance your understanding of the key terms and concepts related to SEND.

Rother Valley Inclusion Hub 

The Rother Valley Inclusion Hub (www.rvhub.org.uk) is a collaborative network of small rural schools and settings which aims to support parents who have children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to have successful placements in mainstream settings.