SEN at The Clifton Centre header

SEN

The SENCO at the Clifton Centre is Stephanie Carr who has 19 years working in special educational settings.

Some members of staff have undertaken ELKLAN training to support speech and language needs.  We currently have a SALT therapist one day a week supporting whole school interventions.   All staff members are trained in Team Teach which means they are able to use de-escalation techniques in difficult situations; this also means that they are trained in using physical techniques and interventions if necessary.

All staff attend regular training to ensure individual learning needs can be supported so all students can fully access the curriculum.  Training covered includes Dyslexia, Speech, Language and Communication, Autistic Spectrum Needs and Behaviour, Sensory Friendly Learning, Emotional and Social Development.

What ongoing support and development is in place for staff regards supporting children and young people with SEN?

Staff development needs are identified through performance management and appraisals. New techniques are discussed as part of our staff meetings on a weekly basis and they share good practice with each other. The students have behaviour logs and progress updates completed for every lesson, any students who are not making adequate progress will be discussed as a full staff team at the weekly meetings, where we will look at alternative interventions we could use to remove the barriers of learning for a young person. This may be in one specific subject area or in a variety of subject areas.

At least one training day a year is dedicated to SEN. All staff are required to attend. Last summer this was around motivation in the classroom and boosting self esteem. This year will be team teach refresher training.

What arrangements are made for reasonable adjustments and support to the pupils during tests and exams?

Staff who scribe or read for pupils receive training from the SENCO. Some pupils need rest breaks and these are arranged based on their circumstances, others may perform better in a separate classroom on a one to one basis.

For GCSE and other external Examinations, the SENCO will assess if there is a need to request special dispensations or extra time. Each student will be assessed independently and every effort will be made to ensure that they are given the support that they are entitled to.

Links & Downloads