SEND
Summerfield Primary School has an inclusive ethos and works in partnership with families and other agencies to provide the best possible educational outcomes for all children. We have high expectations of all our children and put support in place at the earliest possible stage. All SEN provision is overseen and managed by the Core Leadership & Management Team (CLMT) in school and is co- ordinated by the SENDCo (Miss Caroline Firth). The CLMT monitor, review and evaluate all SEN provision on a regular basis throughout the year and report to the school Governing Body on how individual needs are met and how SEN funding is being spent.
Levels of support
Universal offer
At Summerfield Primary School our universal offer includes inclusive, high quality teaching for all and this is proven to have the biggest impact on attainment and progress of all groups of pupils. The needs of most pupils should and can be met by high quality provision.
School-based SEND provision
Pupils receiving SEND provision additional to the universal offer will be placed on the school’s SEND register. These pupils have needs that can be met by the school through the graduated approach. Where the pupil’s needs cannot be adequately met with in-house expertise, staff will consider involving an external specialist as soon as possible. The provision for these pupils is funded through the school’s notional budget.
The school are supported by the Virtual School offer when planning arrangements for supporting children and young people who are looked after by the local authority and have SEN. The designated teacher for children looked after is Miss Caroline Firth.
Funding for Inclusion (FFI)
Pupils who need more support than is available from the school’s SEN provision may be entitled to additional high needs top up funding. In Leeds this is called funding for inclusion (FFI). Funding for Inclusion (FFI) is the system for sharing out the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) High Needs Top Up budget to education settings. Applications for FFI are made by school following strict criteria outlined in the FFI handbook with parent’s and pupil’s views and wishes taken into account. The SEND and Inclusion transformation programme started in Leeds in Summer 2024 which will see significant changes to the way FFI is accessed for schools in the future.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Pupils who need more support than is available through the school-based SEND provision may be entitled to an EHC plan. The plan is a legal document that describes the needs of the pupil, the provision that will be put in place, and the outcomes sought.
The provision for these pupils will be funded from the school’s notional SEND budget, and potentially from the LA (Funding For Inclusion FFI).
All our children are treated as individuals and our staff plan and make appropriate adaptations to ensure that all children can access the curriculum effectively. Individual Provision Maps (IPMs), and Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) are put in place and reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted so that children’s constantly changing needs are addressed. These plans are designed in conjunction with parents / carers and teaching staff so that each plan can be tailored to children’s individual needs. Interventions are reviewed and monitored, and regular assessments are made to ensure that children are on track to meet their outcomes and inform next steps.
An accessible learning environment is provided within the schools means and confines of the building and adapted where possible with additional funding if available. All areas are accessible using ramps where wheelchairs are required. We have a care suite to support children requiring intimate care. Please see the school’s accessibility plan for further information.
Admission arrangements for pupils with SEN & Disabilities
Normal admission arrangements will be followed for pupils with ‘SEN or Disabilities’
All our children will be treated according to their needs in line with the school policy for equality. No pupil will be denied admission because of gender, creed, race, physical ability or academic achievement. We take all steps possible to provide effective educational provision. Where a pupil has a particular need e.g. wheelchair access, the school will ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for that pupil’s need to be fully met.
Staff in school are trained, and have worked alongside other professionals, to develop their skills, knowledge and expertise in specific areas of SEND e.g. speech and language, dyslexia and Autism. Further support is sought from other agencies where necessary e.g. Occupational Health service, Childhood and Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Leeds Community Healthcare, Educational psychology, Inclusion team and cluster services.
The school’s SEND policy is available on our website and reflects the school’s commitment to inclusion, safety and well-being of our children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?
The class teacher will always be willing to speak to you if you have any concerns regarding your child or feel your child needs extra support. Support and appointments can be arranged via Classdojo or by calling the school office. Please call the school office to make an appointment should you wish to speak with the SENDCo (Miss Caroline Firth).
How will school support my child and the curriculum be matched to my child’s needs?
The class teacher will make adaptations to learning activities and resources to ensure all children can access the curriculum. This support may include: pre teaching, the use of visuals, assistive technology, resources to help scaffold learning, regular movement breaks, checklists or sentence frames. In addition, your child may receive some small group or individual support from a Teaching Assistant (TA), teacher or specialist.
How will you support my child when leaving this school or moving to another class?
We recognise that transitions can be difficult for a child with SEND and we take steps to ensure that any transition is as smooth as possible.
If your child is moving to another school or moving into Year 7 in High School:
* We will contact the school SENDCo and/or pastoral team and ensure they know about any special arrangements or support that needs to be made for your child prior to their arrival
*We will make sure that all records about your child are passed on quickly to the receiving school
*Wherever possible we arrange additional transition visits for children with SEND
*Wherever possible we will arrange further parents information visits
When moving classes in school:
*Transition meetings are held between current and receiving classes to share all information related to individual children.
*Children will have opportunities to spend 'Transition' days with their new class teacher in their new class during the last half term in summer. Your child will bring a transition booklet home for the summer break to enable you to prepare your child for the transition to his/her new class in September
Main contacts:
Headteacher: Mrs Fiona Kirkwood
SENDCo: Miss Caroline Firth
Pastoral Team: Mrs June King & Mrs Kelly Horner