Special Educational Needs (SEND)

Welcome to our SEND page, here you will find all the information you need on SEND at St Barnabas. If you require further information please call the school office to book an appointment with the school SENCO: Miss Nelson.

Inclusion at St Barnabas C of E Primary Academy

We believe that all pupils, regardless of their needs should be able to access a broad and balanced curriculum, and reach their full learning potential at our school. We closely monitor how all of our children are progressing both academically, socially and emotionally, but are particularly keen to ensure that children with special needs or who are vulnerable are well-supported.

Arrangements For The Admission Of Pupils With Disabilities

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a disabled person as one who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a persons ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Most children with Special Needs will not be disabled within the meaning of the Act. The admission of pupils with disabilities is considered in the first instance in the same way as non-disabled pupils. Further considerations are made in the light of need and accessibility. It is the Governors Policy to accommodate pupils with disabilities should parents wish and individual needs are planned for to prevent any pupils being treated less favourably than other pupils. In practice we ensure that classroom and extra curricular activities encourage the participation of all pupils, including those categorised as having Special Educational Needs. Staff organise human and physical resources within the school to increase access to learning and participation by all pupils.

Existing facilities provided to assist access to the school by pupils with disabilities:

• Wheelchair access onto school grounds at the main entrance
• Wheelchair access into the school at all entrances, and all rooms
• Carpeted classrooms to aid hearing impaired pupils’ learning.
•  Exterior lighting to improve evening access
• Routes to the main entrance are clearly signed and free from obstructions.
• Disabled toilet.
• Disabled parking is available at the main entrance.

Accessibility Plan

The school is addressing access for people with disabilities. Please see our Accessibility Policy to see our plan. The plan covers increasing the access to the curriculum, the physical environment and improving the provision of information in alternative formats to pupils with disabilities. This is available on our Policies page.

Working in Partnership with Parents/Careers

At St Barnabas we have an open door policy where parents/carers are welcome any time to make an appointment to meet with either the class teacher or SENCO and discuss how their child is getting on. We can offer advice and practical ways that they can help their child at home. We believe that a child’s education should be a partnership between parents/carers and teachers, therefore we aim to keep communication channels open and communicate regularly, especially if a child has complex needs, with parents/carers of pupils with an Education, Health and Care plan being actively involved in the yearly review of such.

The Local Offer

The SEND Local offer offers information to parents, in a single place, which helps them to understand what services they and their family can expect from a range of local agencies including the statutory entitlements. Please click on the link below and you will find information about national and local services and organisations which can offer support to families in Manchester. There are also details of clubs, groups and activities, especially for children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN).