SEND -Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Willowbank Primary School
Welcome to Willowbank Primary School's SEND page. My name is Haidee Frost and I am very proud to be the SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). I hold the National Award for Special Educational Needs (NASENCO) qualification and am passionate about supporting our children at Willowbank. Our school aims to be a fully inclusive school which caters for the needs of all our children. We pride ourselves in working closely with our SEND children and their families to ensure they achieve their full potential.
Our approach to meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities helps us to meet important school aims:
To provide equal opportunities for all
To foster respect for, and understanding of, the differences between individuals
To maintain high expectations of all children
To teach each child according to his or her strengths, aptitudes and needs
To create an environment in which children feel safe, secure and happy, in which they are listened to, and in which their views are respected
To work in close partnership with parents and carers, and to maintain effective two-way communication with parents and carers
More details about our provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as children with special medical needs, including our approach, policies, what Devon offers and other useful information is available on the First Federation Trust website here.
You can contact me with any questions or queries on 01884 33473, e-mail me personally at
Haidee.Frost@firstfederation.org.uk or make an appointment at the school office. I can also be found most mornings at the school gate so please do not hesitate to speak to me then. I look forward to answering your questions.
Parent SEND cafe and SEND events
Once a month I hold a Parent's SEND/ parent support cafe in our lovely library or new training room. It is a chance for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to join me and discuss topics such as behaviour, sleeping, referrals, eating and any issues relevant to parents at the time. It gives you a chance to meet others who have children with additional needs and feel supported and listened too.
The next SEND cafe will be on 23rd May 2024 between 9am-10.30am
All parents welcome
The focus will be on DiAS.
Support from cafes
SEND Quiet Disco- 11th July 2024
Mrs Frost is ready for our SEND disco. The lava lamps and bubble lamps are ready. We can hear the music but can sit in our quiet space and cuddle the worry monsters.
Let's Talk Online Safety and Exploitation
There is a free 1 hour workshop for all parents focusing on SEND and Online Safety. It is being held on Thursday 11th July between 7pm-8pm.
Please use the link below to sign up for the workshop.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-online-safety-and-exploitation-sendneurodiverse-tickets-907580005227?aff=oddtdtcreator
Transition to Secondary School 2024 -
Our Year 6 SEND/ EHCP children.
The Year 6 children have all been allocated a secondary school place for September 2024. If you are a parent/ carer of a SEND/ EHCP pupil in Year 6 I wanted to inform you that they are going to be visited by Hayley Beech (Cullompton Community College SENDCo) in the summer term. If your child is going to a specialist secondary school placement they will have their new school visit them very soon. It is a very exciting time!
Following this, children will get to visit their new secondary school in the last month of this academic year!
Autism and Us’ Parent Programme (Autumn Term 2024): Support from the Communication and Interaction Team - Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
Support for parents/carers resident within the DCC (Devon County Council) footprint of primary or secondary aged children (5-16) who are either on the neurodiversity assessment waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
Our ‘Autism & Us’ programme and associated themed/topic based workshops have now been adopted as a Devon County Council Core offer, which means the long term sustainable and consistent delivery has been secured for families.
They will be delivered each term of the academic year, by members of the SEND Communication & Interaction Team at Devon County Council.
We continue to offer access for parents and carers of CYP (Children & Young People) who are currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Attending the ‘Autism & Us’ parent programme gives you opportunity to develop your understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting your child’s presenting needs, whilst also connecting with other parents/carers.
Full programme details and application process below:
Autism & Us programmes:
- 4 weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
- weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
No. | Topic | Programme 1 | Programme 2 |
1 |
Autism overview
|
Tues 24 Sept - 10 – 12 |
Thurs 14 Nov - 4.30 – 6.30 |
2 |
Sensory
|
Tues 1 Oct - 10 – 12 |
Thurs 21 Nov - 4.30 – 6.30 |
3 |
Communication |
Tues 8 Oct - 10 – 12 |
Thurs 28 Nov- 4.30 – 6.30 |
4 |
Understanding and supporting behaviour
|
Tues 15 Oct - 10 – 12 |
Thurs 5 Dec - 4.30 – 6.30 |
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk
To secure a place on either of the above programmes, or express your interest for forthcoming programmes. We will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Additionally we will also be offering the following very popular themed/topic based workshops, which lead on from the above programmes for themes/topics that may be a priority area for you against your child’s presenting needs:
Topic | Date/Time |
Introduction to DIAS (Devon Information & Advice Service + the Ambassador Volunteer Programme | Thurs 17 Oct 10-12 |
Autism – Sensory processing + integration | Tues 5 Nov 9.30-12.30 |
Autism and Girls | Wed 23 Oct 9.30 - 12 |
Autism – Demand avoidance + PDA | Wed 20 Nov 10 - 12 |
Autism – Communication (Speaking children – support strategies) | Tues 10 Dec 10-12 |
Autism – Managing stress + anxiety | Thurs 7 Nov 10-12
|
Autism – Vulnerability + online safety | Thurs 14 Nov 10-12
|
Autism – Communication (Non/Limited Speaking children – support strategies | Thurs 21 Nov 10-12 |
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk
To secure a place on any of the above topic based workshops. We will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Workshop blurbs:
Workshop
|
Explore |
Autism & Communication (Supporting strategies for verbal children and young people) |
This workshop explores communication strengths and differences and how these may impact on daily life for verbal child and young people and families. It will support in exploring strategies to support child and young people around the following areas: how adult use of language can support and provide structure, self advocating through communication, how visuals can support communication and sharing communication needs with the wider family/support network.
|
Autism & Communication (Supporting strategies for Pre and Non-verbal children and young people)
|
This workshop will consider both language and communication and what is meant by a Total Communication approach. We will also consider practical strategies to support pre and non-verbal children and young people communicate through a focus on means, reasons and opportunity. Please note, this workshop is not appropriate for supporting children who are experiencing situational mutism.
|
Autism & Girls
|
This workshop seeks to explore the background of the diagnosis of autism in girls and why historically the female / male ratio has been significantly lower. We explore the key characteristics of girls with autism including areas such as possible masking, communication, social understanding and associated vulnerability. Subsequently we seek to highlight key approaches / strategies which aim to help to support autistic girls within the home / family context.
|
Autism & Demand Avoidance
|
This workshop seeks to explore the key characteristics of the extreme demand avoidance profile while outlining the diagnostic background and how this fits into the strengths and needs of autistic children and young people. Subsequently it explores the characteristics of this profile and how it may manifest through a child’s behaviour. A range of strategies / approaches are highlighted with the aim of supporting children and young people in the home with an emphasis on an individualised approach which allows for the prioritising of goals to support family life.
|
Autism & Anxiety
|
This workshop will explore our understanding of anxiety and how autistic children and young people may experience and express their own anxiety. The workshop will also consider and provide how we can support and reduce their anxiety within the home / family context through a range of approaches and strategies.
|
Autism & Vulnerability
|
This workshop will explore some of the vulnerabilities that ALL CYP may experience growing up. But this workshop will specifically shine a lens on how an autistic CYP profile may lead them to respond in different ways through their own developmental journeys. A range of approaches, strategies and supportive links will also be offered to support family life.
|
Autism & Sensory Processing + Integration
|
This workshop will explore the 8 senses, sensory integration and how this may affect how autistic children and young people respond to the environment and sensations they are feeling. It aims to raise awareness of sensory processing differences that may impact on an autistic person’s life and provide a range of approaches and strategies to support through sensory regulation approaches within the home / family context.
|
Introduction to DIAS (Devon Information and Advice Service) + The Ambassador Volunteer Programme
|
This workshop will introduce DIAS; who we are and what we do. We will look at how you and your child or young person can engage with the decisions that impact you, including how to get best out of conversations and meetings about your child’s support, how to share your views and those of your child, and understanding your options and legal rights. We will take you through our information and resources that may be relevant for you and your child or young person, and talk through how and when it might be most helpful to link with our service.
The Ambassador Volunteer Programme brings together parents and carers of children with SEND across the county, to share information, provide peer support and give feedback on the issues affecting them. Alongside the families, the programme also connects practitioners and organisations who provide services to support them. Here you can find out how the network may be able to help you. |
Autism and Us’ Parent Programme (Summer Term 2024)
Support from the Communication and Interaction Team – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
Support for parents/carers of Devon primary and secondary children who are either on the autism assessment waiting list or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
The ‘Autism & Us’ programme delivered this academic year will once again be offered during the forthcoming Summer term of the 2023-24 academic year for parents/carers of Devon DCC primary and secondary school children, pre or post diagnosis.
The Team are delighted to announce that they are offering access for families of CYP (Children & Young People) who are currently on the autism assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Attending the ‘Autism & Us’ parent programme gives you an opportunity to develop your understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting your child’s presenting needs, whilst also connecting with other parents/carers.
Full programme details and application process below:
Autism & Us programmes:
• 4 weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
• weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic/themes:
1 Autism overview
Tues 23 Apr – 10 – 12
Thurs 13 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
2 Sensory
Tues 30 Apr – 10 – 12
Thurs 20 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
3 Communication
Tues 7 May – 10 – 12
Thurs 27 Jun – 4.30 – 6.30
4 Understanding and supporting behaviour
Tues 14 May – 10 – 12
Thurs 4 Jul – 4.30 – 6.30
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk
To secure a place on either of the above programmes, or express your interest for forthcoming programmes. They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Additionally they will also be offering the following very popular themed/topic based workshops, which lead on from the above programmes for themes/topics that may be a priority area for you against your child’s presenting needs:
- DIAS (Devon Information & Advice Service + PCFD (Parent Carer Forum Devon) Wed 22 May 10-12
- Autism – Sensory processing + integration Thurs 16 May 9.30-12.30
- Autism and Girls Wed 5 Jun 9.30 – 12
- Autism – Demand avoidance + PDA Thurs 13 Jun 10 – 12
- Autism – Communication (Speaking children – support strategies) Mon 1 Jul 10-12
- Autism – Managing stress + anxiety Wed 10 Jul 1 – 3pm
- Autism – Vulnerability + online safety Wed 19 Jun 10-12
- Autism – Communication (Non/Limited Speaking children – support strategies Thurs 27 Jun 10-12
Apply direct by email to: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk to secure a place on any of the above topic based workshops. They will confirm your booking request, and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered on line ‘live’ via the Microsoft TEAMs platform.
Girls and Autism Parent Workshop: 28th March 2023.
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Girls and Autism Workshop I gave. If you were unable to attend I have attached a useful document and am very happy to talk through any questions you may have.
DiAS SEND websites for parental support
Ofsted Inspection January 2023.
Willowbank Primary School is incredibly proud of its SEND provision and this was highlighted by our recent Ofsted inspection. The report stated:
'Leaders have high expectations for what all pupils can achieve, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders have created a curriculum that is designed well. They have carefully considered what pupils need to know and when they need to know it'.
and
'Leaders are ambitious for what pupils with SEND can achieve. Pupils’ plans are precise and regularly reviewed. Staff know pupils well. This is particularly the case for pupils with social and emotional needs who attend the learning hub, known as the ‘Willow Branch’. As a result, pupils with SEND receive the support they need to enable them to access a broad and balanced curriculum.'
Many of our children find discos, loud noises and lots of people overwhelming. I will be holding an alternative disco for your children in the school library between 5.15-6.15pm on 11th July 2024. Your child will be able to hear the music in the background and play with LEGO, DUPLO, do colouring activities, watch the bubble lamps and sit in a darker environment. I cannot wait to see your child for a different but inclusive disco experience.
A HUGE Thank You to the Friends of Willowbank!
The Friends of Willowbank have been incredibly generous in fund raising for our children with Dyslexia. With all their efforts we have been gifted this amazing selection of dyslexic friendly books to support our children. The books enable our older readers to have books age appropriate but on specially coloured paper and at their own reading level.
I cannot thank you all enough for your support, fund raising and for helping our SEND children.
THANK YOU!
Haidee Frost
A HUGE thank you to the PTA and for the support parents and carers have given to raising money for our SEND in the school. It is with a HUGE smile on my face that I can share with you the wonderful images of the children holding their new worry monsters. Each class in the school asked for their class to have their own worry monster, especially with the return to 'bubbles'. The PTAs kind donation meant that I was able to buy 10 HUGE ones for each class. THANK YOU!
SEND Film Evening- 21st October 2021
It was fantastic to have our end of Autumn half term film evening and to hold a special SEND showing. The children who required a quieter and calmer environment, with fidget toys and sensory lights were able to watch the film with myself and Miss Hayman. The feedback was amazing and I cannot wait to do this event again.
SEND Code of Practice
In September 2014, the new SEN Code of Practice came into force. This resulted in some changes to the way schools and local authorities ensured that the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were met.
There are four areas of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for which provision is made for:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and Physical
At Willowbank Primary School we support your SEND child through quality first teaching, Universal Provision and seeing learning through the eyes of a SEND child. Please click on the stars below for information on each area.
What does this mean to me?
From September 2014, all local authorities must publish in one place information about the services they expect to be available in their area for children and young people 0 - 25 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. This is known as the local offer.
The development of a local offer is one of a number of changes to the way children and young people with SEND are supported that are part of the Children and Families Act. Schools will also publish an annual Special Educational Needs Information Report, which will outline what individual schools are able to offer in order to support children and families with SEND.
What will the local offer cover?
The local offer will include information about health and social care services, education, leisure activities and support groups in the area for children and young people aged 0 - 25 with SEND and their families.
There will be information about:
- services and support available
- how children and young people's needs are identified and assessed
- the way schools, colleges and maintained nurseries support children and young people with SEND
- how to access services and how decisions are made
- preparation for adulthood and independence
- arrangements for making a complaint and mediation
- how to comment on the local offer
The Department for Education's draft SEN Code of Practice and regulations outlines the range of information to be included in the local offer.
Why is the local offer important?
The local offer will help parents, carers and young people to see clearly the range of services and support that are available in their local area and understand how to access them.
You can find information about local services available to young people from 0-25 who have SEND by clicking this link: Local Offer
SEND information report
From the 1st September 2014, under Section 65 (3) (a) of the Special Educational Needs (Information) Regulations, all schools are required to publish a SEND Information Report on their school websites.
You can read the SEND Code of Practice and Willowbank's SEND information report below.
Information on our Trust's Equality Duty objectives and approach to SEND are available here.
Accessibility Plan
Transition support for our SEND children.
Willowbank Primary School understands that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and we therefore take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible. Enhanced transitions will be carried out as appropriate for individual children where needed.
Entering our school from pre-school/ nursery:
- The EYFS Unit Lead and myself (SENDCo) will meet with the pre-school/ nursery SENDCo and the parent/ carer to discuss your child's needs and provide an enhanced transition through a TAF in the summer term.
When moving to a new year group:
- Information will be passed on to the new class teacher in advance and a planning meeting will take place with the new teacher. All PLPs and EHCPs will be shared with the new teacher and your child will be offered support in the summer holiday through a postcard from the teacher and SENDCo to know we are thinking of you.
- An enhanced transition booklet to support them changing year group will also be offered.
- Your child will be given lots of opportunities to visit their new classroom and teacher.
In Year 6:
- The SENCO/ Year 5 and 6 Unit Lead will arrange and attend transition meetings with the SENDCo of their secondary school.
- Your child will do focused learning about aspects of transition to support their understanding of the changes ahead.
- Your child will visit their new school on several occasions and staff from the new school will visit your child in our school (if COVID restrictions allow).
- All records of your child will be passed to the secondary school.
If your child is moving to another school:
- We will contact the school SENDCo and ensure he/she knows about any special arrangements or support that need to be made for your child.
- We will make sure that all records about your child are passed on as soon as possible.