SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND) AT HEATHFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
At Heathfield Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the chance to shine. We know that all children learn in different ways and at different speeds, and we work hard to make sure every child is supported to reach their full potential.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND SUPPORT
If a child needs extra help, it’s important that we notice this early.
Our SEND Policy explains how we identify, assess, and support children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
If you are concerned about your child’s progress, please speak first to their class teacher or to our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo).
The SENDCo works with teachers, parents, and other professionals to make sure children with SEND get the right support.
Support might include:
- Adapting classroom activities or resources
- Providing intervention
- Using a personalised learning plan (PLP)
Your child’s progress will be reviewed regularly, and we will always keep you informed and involved.
AREAS OF NEED
We support children with a wide range of needs, as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice (2014):
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Sensory and/or Physical Needs
Many children may have needs in more than one of these areas, and we plan support accordingly.
WORKING WITH PARENTS AND CARERS
We believe that strong partnerships with parents make the biggest difference.
We:
- Share concerns with you as early as possible.
- Listen carefully to your views.
- Focus on your child’s strengths as well as areas where they need extra help.
- Keep you involved in decisions about your child’s learning and support.
Parents are invited to:
- Attend Parents’ Evenings twice a year.
- Join SEND drop-ins and additional SEND parent meetings each year.
- Take part in wellbeing and learning workshops on topics such as routines, anxiety, and screen time.
- Review their child’s Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) every half term.
If you’d like to speak to our SENDCo, please contact:
senco@heathfield.bolton.sch.uk
CHILDREN’S VOICE
We believe every child should have a say in their learning.
Children are encouraged to:
- Share their views and ideas about their learning.
- Help set their own targets.
- Reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements.
CURRICULUM AND TEACHING
All children at Heathfield have access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
Teachers plan lessons carefully to meet each child’s needs and to remove barriers to learning.
Support may include:
- Small group or one-to-one teaching
- Adapted or personalised resources
- Nurture support
- Visual or sensory aids
We aim for every child to feel successful, confident, and included in school life.
INCLUSION AND ACCESS
We are committed to making sure all children can take part in every aspect of school life.
This includes school trips, clubs, and special events.
We provide equipment and adjustments recommended by professionals (for example, writing slopes, cushions, or overlays).
Parents may be invited to join trips if additional support is helpful.
WORKING WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS
We work closely with many outside agencies to provide specialist advice and support, including:
- Educational Psychologists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational and Physiotherapists
- Sensory Support Services (hearing and vision)
- Mental Health Support Teams (including CAMHS)
- Bolton Information and Advisory Service (IAS)
- School Health and Nursing teams
- Mental health support team (MHST)
Together, we ensure that every child’s needs are fully understood and supported.
TRANSITIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Moving to a new class or school can be a big step, especially for children with SEND.
We make sure these transitions are smooth by:
- Meeting with new teachers to share information.
- Promote all classes for at least one week at the end of the summer term
- Working closely with secondary school SENDCO for Year 6 transitions., including enhanced transition for children who need it
For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), transition plans are made well in advance with parents and the new school.
BOLTON’S LOCAL OFFER
Bolton’s SEND Local Offer provides information about services and support available for children and young people with SEND and their families.
You can find more information here: