Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Many children need extra support at some time during their education. We aim to identify these needs as early as possible and utilise Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and The Bristol Support Plan where necessary.
Parents are fully informed and invited to work with us on the targets set for their children.
Amy McNamee, our non-teaching (full time) Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo), is responsible for leading our provision for children with special needs. She is also the Deputy Head Teacher with responsibility for Inclusion. These children are given work to match their level of ability. All children are entitled to receive an education that is appropriate to their stage of development.
Alexandra Stanforth is our SENDCo (second in charge) and works (three mornings per week) alongside Amy McNamee.
We welcome pupils with disabilities and endeavour to meet their needs. Our building is on one level with easy access. Disability requirements are met as needed.
Bristol City Council SEND support and contacts
A new team has been developed to help families know where to go for support when they are at the early stages of understanding the needs of their children and young people.
“Unsure where to get support? FLORA (Families, Local Offer, Resources and Advice) provides information, advice and signposting to support for families who are in the early stages of identifying that their child may have additional needs. The FLORA team can help families navigate the services and support that is available to them, their family and child”.
This is a new service and does not replace any of the existing numbers. Please see the summary below of important numbers as a reminder and an illustration of how FLORA fits into existing work.
• If you have a concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing contact First Response Team on 0117 903 6444 Report your concerns about a child as a member of the public - bristol.gov.uk
• If your child attends an education setting and you have concerns about their learning and progress speak with your child’s teacher or the school’s SENDCO. For more information about support schools should be able to offer Ordinarily Available Provision - Bristol's SEND Local Offer - bristol.gov.uk
• If you need information, advice and signposting about early support for your child’s additional needs – email flora@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 3526020 (phone lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8.30am -5.00 pm, Wed 10.30am to 8.00 pm, Friday 8.30am -4.30pm).
• If you would like independent information and advice contact Supportive Parents 0117 9897725 (see below for more information).
• If you have a question about how to request an EHCP contact the assessment team on 0117 922 3700.
Bristol's Local Offer website https://www.bristol.gov.uk/web/bristol-local-offer provides support and information for parents, professionals and young people. The new Bristol Support Plan template, EHCP application documents and Top Up funding applications can all be found on this helpful website. In addition to this, there is a wealth of information and advice for parents of young people with SEND, from advice and information services to supported play and travel advice. Take a look at what's on offer in our local area.
Supportive Parents - Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
Supportive Parents SENDIASS provides information, advice and support (IAS) to children and young people with any type of special educational need and/or disability (SEND) and their parents and carers that is free, confidential and impartial.
Professionals can use the information advice and support on offer to build on their own knowledge and understanding can enable children and young people, as well as parents and carers to access the SENDIASS.
Supportive Parents covers all aspects of special educational needs and disabilities, from promoting inclusion to social care and health concerns, appeals, complaints and exclusions where SEND may be identified. Examples of the work conducted by Supportive Parents include:
- Statutory work, which may lead to an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and beyond
- Concerns from the earliest stages of getting help
- SEN Support from early years to post-19
- Ways of accessing services to support education
- Signposting to other services
- Disagreement resolution
For more information please see the Supportive Parents website.
OTR- Off the Record
OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
We run various projects across Bristol and South Gloucestershire which you can find out about here. They have been designed with the help of young people, and all of them are delivered by a team of super-friendly staff and volunteers.
If you would like to find out more click here to be taken to the website where you can sign up directly.
Wecil (The West of England Centre for Inclusive Living)
Out and About is part of Wecil and they offer support, free events, clubs and lots more for families who have a disabled child/young person or a child/young person with additional needs. They are funded by Bristol City Council and can provide parents of children with additional needs short breaks. To find out more click here.
You may be eligible for certain benefits or grants if your child or young person has Special educational Needs. You can find out more information from https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/disability
Bristol Parent Carer Forum
Are a friendly and active group of parent carers of children and young people, 0-25 years with disabilities, special educational needs, and life-limiting conditions. They come from different backgrounds and communities across Bristol. They work together as partners with Bristol City Council and NHS Bristol to shape the services provided for families – this is called ‘parent carer participation’. By participating, parent carers can have a voice and make a difference. Our involvement gives these service providers a greater understanding and insight into our needs. Participation empowers parent carers and brings about improved service provision, and hopefully improved outcomes for the whole family.