The Holy Cross School

Who are the best people to talk to at The Holy Cross School about my child’s difficulties with learning/ Special Educational Needs or disability (SEND)?

The first point of call should be your child's form teacher or Director of Year (email or call the school office about your concerns.
You can also contact Mrs Cappalonga, the school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) on ccappalonga1.314@hxsgmail.com, to arrange a telephone conversation or meeting.

What types of support are available for children with SEND at The Holy Cross School?

Quality First Teaching for all- Every teacher at The Holy Cross School has high expectations for all pupils. Lessons are carefully planned to build on what your child already knows, can do, and understands. Teachers use a variety of quality first teaching strategies to ensure that every pupil is fully engaged and able to access the learning in class.
Specific strategies- Where needed, tailored strategies may be suggested by the SENDCo or external specialists to support your child’s learning. These strategies are shared with all relevant teachers via their learner profile so that your child can be supported consistently across all lessons.
Targeted intervention- Some pupils benefit from additional support in small groups or one-to-one sessions. This might include additional work in English or Maths, or support for social skills and emotional development. These sessions are often delivered by our skilled Learning Support Assistants.
Specialist support from external agencies- We work closely with outside professionals, such as Educational Psychologists or the Speech and Language Service, to provide specialist input where required. Parents and carers are always informed before any intervention takes place, and parental consent is obtained before any contact with external agencies.

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

Your child’s progress is continually monitored by her class teacher and subject teachers. Your child will be assessed routinely by their subject teacher and you will have an opportunity to discuss their results at a subject teacher/parent/carer evening.
Progress information is shared with you every term via a school report.
If you have concerns about your child’s progress you should speak to your child’s form tutor or subject teachers initially by emailing the school office or by raising concerns at parents’ evenings.
If you feel your child isn’t making progress or your concerns aren’t fully resolved, please contact the Subject Leader (for one subject) or your child’s Director of Year so we can work together to provide the right support.

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

If your child is then identified as not making progress the school will set up a meeting to discuss this with you in more detail and 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 the different levels?

The school budget, from Achieving For Children, includes money for supporting children with SEND.
The Head Teacher decides on the budget for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in consultation with the school governors, on the basis of needs in the school.
The Head Teacher, the SENCo and the AHT Inclusion discuss all the information they have about SEND in the school, including:
- the children getting extra support already
- the children in need of extra support
- the children who have been identified as not making as much progress as would be expected and decide what resources/training and support is needed.
All resources/training and support are reviewed regularly and changes made as needed.

Who else provides support and services for children with SEND at this school?

Educational Psychology Service
Speech and Language Therapy (we buy in this service as needed).
School Nurse and School Health Worker
Educational Service for Sensory Impairment (ESSI)
Education Inclusion Support Service (EISS)
Advisory/outreach services for children/young people with autism/social communication needs

How are teachers supported to work with children with SEND, and what training do they receive?

At The Holy Cross School, supporting children with SEND is a shared responsibility. The SENDCo works closely with all departments to help teachers plan lessons that meet the needs of every child.
All staff take part in ongoing professional development to improve teaching and learning for pupils with SEND. This includes whole-school training on areas such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and speech and language difficulties.
In addition, individual teachers and support staff attend specialist training courses run by external agencies, tailored to the specific needs of children currently on roll. This ensures that every pupil receives teaching and support that is informed, evidence-based, and effective. Processes are embedded within The Holy Cross School to ensure that learning is shared across the whole teaching body.

How will teaching be adapted for my child with SEND?

Teachers at The Holy Cross School plan lessons to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND. They adapt teaching approaches so that every child can access and engage with the curriculum.
Learning Support Assistants and other trained staff may provide additional support, adapting activities and resources as needed to help your child succeed, both individually and in small groups.
Specific strategies and resources are used to support your child’s learning, and teaching plans are reviewed and adjusted daily if necessary to ensure your child’s needs are met.

How will The Holy Cross School measure the progress of my child in school?

Your child’s progress is continually monitored by subject teachers.
Progress is reviewed by departments on a regular basis.
Your child’s progress is continually monitored by her class teacher and subject teachers. Your child will be assessed routinely by their subject teacher and you will have an opportunity to discuss their results at a subject teacher/parent/carer evening.
Progress information is shared with you every term via a school report.
If you have concerns about your child’s progress you should speak to your child’s form tutor or subject teachers initially by emailing the school office or by raising concerns at parents’ evenings.
If you feel your child isn’t making progress or your concerns aren’t fully resolved, please contact the Subject Leader (for one subject) or your child’s Director of Year so we can work together to provide the right support.
Pupils on the SEND register at "SEND Support" will have
personalised strategies which are shared with their teachers.
The progress of children with an EHC Plan is formally reviewed at an Annual Review with all adults involved with the child’s education, and with the child’s views at the centre of that review.

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

Your form teacher is available to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns you may have and to share information about what is working well at home and school so similar strategies can be used. You can contact them via email or by making an appointment via the school office.
Our Inclusion team is available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress or any concerns or worries you may have, particularly if you feel there are undiagnosed needs and you need advice on how to proceed with assessing these.
All information from outside professionals will be discussed with you with the person involved directly, or where this is not possible, in a report.
Homework will be adjusted as needed to your child’s individual needs. The relevant phase SENCo will coordinate and agree this with subject teachers.
The Inclusion team will share information with you about local support groups, courses for parents and holiday activities that are relevant to your child’s needs.

How is The Holy Cross School accessible to children with SEND?

At The Holy Cross School, we are committed to being an inclusive school, ensuring that every child has access to learning and activities in a safe and supportive environment.
The school site is fully accessible for pupils with physical disabilities.
All equipment used in lessons and around school is accessible to all pupils, regardless of their individual needs.
Extra-curricular activities are inclusive, and pupils with SEND are supported to take part fully.
Additional support is provided for pupils with SEND during lunchtimes and breaks to ensure they can participate safely and enjoyably.

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

We recognise that transitions can be challenging for children with SEND and take steps to make any move as smooth as possible.

If your child is moving to another school:

We will contact the new school’s SENDCo to share information about any special arrangements or support your child may need.
All records relating to your child will be passed on promptly.
Where possible, your child will visit their new school on several occasions. In some cases, staff from the new school may visit your child here to support the transition.

If your child is moving to a new class within this school:

Information about your child will be shared with the new class teacher in advance.
Where appropriate, a planning meeting will be held with staff to ensure a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEND Provision at The Holy Cross School