Derwent Vale Primary School

Schools Extended Local Offer Response

How does the setting/school/college know if children/young people need extra help and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs?

Children are assessed as part of the teacher's daily process. Termly assessments are monitored by the senior leadership team and discussed with class teachers. If a pupil has additional needs these will be identified by the staff and a meeting held with parents/carers to discuss how to address the child's needs.

The school has an open door policy and welcomes conversations with parents about their child's progress.

How will early years setting/school/college staff support my child/young person?

Home visits will be organised prior to starting school alongside open mornings where parents/carers can bring their child to familiarise themselves with the setting.

Staff will baseline assess children new to Nursery in order that they may set appropriate learning tasks for each child.

Our open door policy allows parents/carers the opportunity to talk with staff on a daily basis. This shared understanding of the child at home and school helps us ensure the best possible education for your child. 

How will the curriculum be matched to my child's/young person's needs?

The school follows the National curriculum.

Staff are well versed in identifying pupil's strengths and areas of development. Lessons and activities are differentiated to allow all pupils to engage in the learning at the appropriate level.

Support staff are employed to work with some pupils 1-1 or in small groups.

How will both you and I know how my child/young person is doing and how will you help me to support my child's/young person's learning?

Parent's evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring term. An annual written report is sent out in the Summer term.

Parents are welcome to contact the school at any point to make an appointment to discuss their child's progress. This happens informally on a day to day basis in Nursery and Reception.

If staff feel extra support from home is needed they will contact individual parents and discuss what is needed.

Parents are aware of homework being sent home on a weekly basis.

All parents are encouraged to support their child in the whole school Strive for 5 challenge where each child is required to read to an adult at least five times in a week. Weekly rewards help engage pupils and an end of half term celebration spurs most pupils on to try to achieve the weekly challenge. 

What support will there be for my child's/young person's overall well being?

All staff at Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School are extremely caring. They are concerned about all pupils’ educational, moral and emotional wellbeing.

Where a pupil needs support; with agreement from parents/carers it will be given.

Safeguarding permeates all elements of school life.

What specialist services and expertise are avaliable at or accessed by the setting/school/college?

The school uses services provided by the local authority: Speech and Language, Early Years specialists, Specialist Advisory Teachers, Health Advisors and Educational Psychologists as part of the SEND assessment team.

What training have the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had? Are any being trained currently?

All staff have level 1 safeguarding, prevent training, autism training and team teach training. They have attachment theory training and nurture training. Staff are highly skilled in supporting all pupils and training reflects pupil needs at the time.

How will my child/young person be included in activities outside this classroom including school trips?

All pupils have opportunities to participate in visits and trips. We use the Local Authority Evolve risk assessments as a guide when taking any group out of school. Ratios depends on the group of pupils.

How accessible is the setting/school/college enviroment?

Derwent Vale Primary and Nursery School is built on a level site. Access through the front door is wheelchair friendly, all other doorways have a step. Access throughout school is all on one level.

How will the setting/school/college prepare and support my child/young person to join the setting/school/college or the next stage of education and life?

Transition meetings are held with the school designated by the local authority as the next educational establishment. Depending on the pupil's individual needs the transition can be tailored to best support the child.

 

How are the setting's/school's/college's resources allocated and matched to children's/young people's special educational needs?

The school looks at each pupil's needs and allocates resources appropriately. Some pupils may gain extra funding from the local authority. The spending of this funding would be discussed with parents/carers, staff, the local authority advisers and where appropriate with the child. 

How is the decision made about what type and how much support my child/young person will receive?

The school looks at each pupil's needs and allocates resources appropriately. Some pupils may gain extra funding from the local authority. The spending of this funding would be discussed with parents/carers, staff, the local authority advisers and where appropriate with the child. 

How are parents involved in the setting/school/college? How can I be involved?

All parents are welcomed into school. A weekly newsletter is sent home as well as being published on the school website. Parents are encouraged to join in with the multitude of events, which take place throughout the year.

There is an active fundraising committee who welcome volunteers.