Our SEND Information Report

All Birmingham maintained schools have a similar approach to meeting the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and are supported by the Local Authority to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school. All schools are supported to be as inclusive as possible with the needs of pupils with a Special Educational Need being met in a mainstream setting wherever possible, where families want this to happen.

Who is the best person to speak to about your child's needs?

It is best to contact the following people in this order;

1. PSL (Pastoral Support Lead)
2. Form Tutor
3. Head of School for KS3, KS4 & KS5
4. Martin Gore (Deputy Headteacher)
5. Julie Eaton (Head Teacher)

What are the different types of support available for children at Selly Oak Trust School?

At Selly Oak Trust School we support our pupils in many ways, including:

• Small teaching groups, usually 10-16 pupils per group
• Most groups have 2 adults in the class to support our pupils
• Classes are set into ability groups in English, Maths and Science so that pupils can work at the level that suits them best
• Speech and Language Therapist on site full time
• Occupational Therapist on site full time
• Multi-Sensory room to support pupils who learn through play
• Positive behaviour support strategies by rewarding good choices made by our pupils
• The use of visual cues throughout the environment to support pupils’ organisation skills
• Working with outside agencies such as Child and Adolescent mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Social Services or other agencies that are best placed to support our pupils.
• Vocational subjects such as horticulture and floristry
• Expert experienced staff used to supporting pupils with a range of difficulties
• Nurture groups in each year group, each based in their own classroom for pupils who need a higher level of support
• Outdoor gym area with exercise equipment
• Punch bags outside to encourage “clean anger”
• Quiet spaces on each floor for pupils to take time out during lessons
•  Experienced pastoral and mentoring team, including ASD mentors to support pupils with autism
• Work experience available for all students in the 6^th form
• Regular college visits for 6^th formers
• Off-site visits regularly included across the curriculum

How can I let the school know I am concerned about my child’s progress in school?

• Contact your child’s PSL or Head of School.
• If you still do not feel that your child is getting the support they need you should speak to Martin Gore (Deputy Headteacher) or Julie Eaton (Headteacher).

How will the school let me know if they have any concerns about my child’s learning in school?

If we feel that your child is not making enough progress we will meet with you to:

• Listen to any concerns you may have
• Plan any additional support your child may receive
• Discuss with you any referrals to outside professionals to support your child’s learning

How is extra support allocated to children and how do they move between different levels?

We provide support according to each pupil’s individual needs. Class teachers will provide extra support as required or advised by specialist support staff.

Who are the other people providing services to children with an SEN in this school?

On site we have a Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapists, a pastoral support team and a mentoring team. We also work with other agencies that are not based in school so that our pupils receive the best possible support.

How are the teachers in school helped to work with children with an SEND and what training do they have?

We provide a rolling programme of training for all staff based upon the needs of our pupils. Staff regularly receive updated training for conditions such as autism, emotional health and wellbeing, ADHD and how to implement and follow a programme of development in literacy difficulties, sensory difficulties and speech, language and communication difficulties

How will the teaching be adapted for my child with SEND?

• Class teachers plan lessons according to the needs of all groups of children in their class and will ensure that their needs are met
• Other adults in the class can support your child by working with them individually or adapting the work to help them
• Teachers use visual reinforcement to support students’ understanding and planning
• All pupils take part in our “skills for life” programme to help prepare them for adulthood
• Teachers adapt their language to match the language to the level of their students
• Labels in classrooms have visual cues
• The teaching environment is adapted for pupils with sensory needs according to advice from the Occupational Therapist
• A full range of sensory equipment can be found in each classroom to support students sensory processing needs

How will we measure the progress of your child in school?

• Your child’s progress is constantly monitored by his/her class teacher and Head of Year
• Their progress is reviewed every term and an 'I Can' statement is applied to your child's needs
• Other professionals that are involved with your child review the progress of all pupils regularly to monitor the impact of their work

What support do we have for you as a parent of a child with SEND?

• Your child’s Key Stage Co-ordinator is available for you to discuss any concerns you may have. If you need support from agencies outside of school we will be able to help you
• A home/school book is provided to improve contact between us. This is checked by your child’s form tutor and you should regularly check for messages from school
• The school runs a Parent/Carer Curriculum Forum to engage home in our learning
• Evening events are regularly put on for parents to celebrate students’ successes or to learn more about their child’s needs

How is Selly Oak Trust School accessible to children with SEND?

• The entrance to the building is accessible via ramps and there are lifts for access to each floor
• Signs throughout school are picture-based
• Warning sirens are designed not to startle noise-sensitive students
• Time-out areas have coloured lighting that is controlled by students to help them calm themselves
• We make sure that equipment used is accessible to all children, whatever their needs
• We provide after school clubs for all pupils
• Any off site trips are accessible for all pupils

How will we support your child when they are leaving this school or moving to another class?

We understand that moving to a new school or class are difficult for our pupils to manage and try to make sure that it happens as smoothly as possible.

• If your child is moving to another school:
• We will meet with you to set targets for the next year and to talk about how your child will need to be supported in their new school
• We will contact the new school’s SENCO and make sure they know your child’s needs.
• We will make sure that all records are passed on as soon as possible
• If your child is moving classes in school:
• We will give the new teacher the information they need to make sure that your child is fully supported in their lessons
• The reason for the move will be clearly explained to your child
• If your child is moving to Selly Oak:
• We will meet your child in their current school setting
• We will provide mentoring support to support your child’s transition into Selly Oak

The Birmingham Local Offer

NEW The Birmingham Local Offer website is now launched.  It includes information about the wide range of services that are available to support all areas of a child’s life (0-25 years) especially those with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND).  This includes support with education, physical and mental health, social care, leisure activities and moving towards independence and adulthood. Click on the link below to go to the site.

Local Offer Birmingham | SEND Advice and Information