At Batchwood School we recognise and value the importance of working in partnership with parents. We listen to parents/carers and work together with them to ensure their child gets the best out of their time here. All parents/carers are able to contact key staff at the School by email, phone or in person and are welcomed to attend a number of events, including target setting and review days, parents’ evenings and information evenings during the school year.

During the School day, parents/carers are encouraged to contact their child’s form tutor or mentor if they have an urgent query. Mentors will meet with students at least once every half term to review their progress and agree targets and strategies to ensure good progress is continued.

Parents/Carers are also invited to attend the Head teachers Coffee mornings/evenings throughout the year to give feedback and share ideas on the SEN support provided by the School. Refreshments will be provided.

All of our students have a Statement of Special Educational Need, which are now in the process of being transferred to the new Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

At Batchwood School, we understand the importance of providing a supportive learning environment.

Key Contacts:

• SENCO – Ms Jo Murphy
• DSP – Mr R Whitaker (Deputy Headteacher)

Dedicated Support Centre /Study Area: This is a provision where students are taught in small groups or one to one. Its use is prioritised for students in Key Stage 4 and focuses on providing support for students who are in receipt of alternative support to maintain their engagement and progress towards future pathways or for those students who are falling behind due to lack of appropriate engagement in the classroom setting. Students that are in receipt of alternative provision also work closely with the Vocational Learning Co-ordinator who provides individualised support to secure successful liaison between home/School /alternative provider.

Key Contact:

• Deputy Head Teacher: Mr Ross Whitaker

Your child already has a statement/EHCP in place, and this outlines very clearly the appropriate strategies that the school has to have in place to ensure it meets the learning and emotional needs of your child. When your child starts Batchwood School, whether in year 7, or later, there will be a transition programme to ensure that their needs are met as soon as they start. Your child will be assessed during their first half term at Batchwood School via CATs tests, and together with their SATs results, and other relevant FFT data, we will put these assessments together with information from their previous school and any available teacher assessments and observations to ensure:

• The most appropriate support for your child • The most appropriate groupings for your child • Participation in appropriate small group support.

Batchwood School works closely in partnership with all its feeder schools. Information is shared between the School and the feeder school with regard to SEN where this is agreed with the parents and students involved. As part of the transition process, students and parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet with Ms Murphy (SENCO) and the SEN support team and to visit. There is usually opportunity for students to take part in induction activities as part of the whole School transition programme

Students with EHC plans will have undergone their review in sufficient time prior to their move to the School to enable appropriate and planned interventions and support to be put in place. The deadline for completion of this review is February 15th in the year of transfer.

There is a strong focus on working in partnership with parents/carers at Batchwood School, which means that we do not wait for a concern to arise but are proactive in seeking input from parents/carers. If you have comments, questions or concerns as a parent, we will listen and respond to them.

Ways to contact us are:

• Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

• By phone: 01727 868021 • In person: In order to ensure that you meet with the relevant person, it is best to call and make an appointment.

Information about the School will also be shared with you by:

• Text message – parent mail • The School website • Letters sent home with students.

Who can I contact at the School?

• Your child’s form tutor or mentor • Wellbeing – Mr Tom Tansey • SENCO – Ms Jo Murphy • SEN Governor Ms Dawn Leverick-Brown

In the very unlikely event that you feel a query/concern has not been addressed, there is a School complaints policy which is found in the policies section of the website.

Use of Data in Identification: Batchwood School recognises the benefit of early identification and making effective provision improves the long-term outcomes for the child or young person. Students will be assessed on entry for reading, spelling, writing and numeracy; account will be taken of any KS2 data available from Primary Feeder Schools. Students that are identified as being below age related national expectations will receive additional support to close the gap. Progress will be closely monitored. Where students are unable to close the gap within the natural cycle of the support programme, or are exceptionally low on entry to the School, they will be assessed by the SENCO and his team. In year 9, all students participate in the Access arrangements assessment process in order to provide them with appropriate support in their public exams in Key Stage 4.

Role of Subject Teachers in Identification: Subject teachers are expected to formally assess student progress at least once per half term. Subject teachers will work with their SENCO to identify students making less than expected progress given their age. Teachers will be expected to provide intervention in the first instance for any student that is falling behind. This is adapting their teaching to provide high quality teaching tailored to the gaps in the student’s learning with clearly differentiated work meeting the needs of the student(s) in question. This may involve use of additional time such as enrichment time. Where progress continues to be less than expected, the class teacher should discuss interventions with the SENCO. This usually involves compulsory, supported enrichment sessions outside the class teaching or short-term supported withdrawal within the School day focusing on a specific skill area. Throughout the intervention processes, the SENCO/subject teacher should communicate their plans for intervention.

Throughout this process, every effort should be made to communicate with the student and their family what support is available and why it is being provided. This should be over and above the progress reports sent to parents every half term.

Involving Parents/carers: If a concern persists regarding a student’s lack of progress, a meeting will be held with parents/carers to discuss the concerns and decide together what actions would be most appropriate to support the student. Actions might include personalisation within lessons, support from a Teaching Assistant in some lessons, or asking advice from specialists and acting on it. At Batchwood School, we appreciate that parents/carers are experts on their own children and so we always listen carefully to their views and plan together. Students themselves are also asked about any difficulties they are having and what sort of support they feel would benefit them, and their views are also listened to and taken into account.

At Batchwood School, we have a set training programme for all staff which focuses on supporting outstanding teaching and learning. Included in this programme are a range of workshops on topics such as differentiation (personalising the curriculum to meet every student’s needs) and different special educational needs (Literacy, Numeracy, ASD, Speech and Language). Our teaching assistants attend training that is relevant and specific to the needs of the students who they support.

Our training focuses on: • High quality teaching and learning- leading to improved progress for all students (assessment and target setting). • Structured conversations with parents/carers – to improve parents’/carers’ engagement with school and their involvement in their child’s learning and achievement. • Wider outcomes – to support the participation, enjoyment and achievement of children in all elements of school life.

In addition to the above, all staff are encouraged to share good practice and attend external training which enables them to build on their strengths and develop skills in other areas that will help them to provide effective support to our SEN students.

We personalise our teaching as necessary to ensure that the learning needs of all students are met. This may take the form of: • Working in small groups or pairs • Using a variety of materials in the classroom • Using a range of strategies as advised by our SENCO • Support from a Teaching Assistant • Using technology such as a laptop, IWB

Curriculum: All Batchwood School students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. The curriculum offer is highly personalised to the individual student in order for them to be successful both in terms of their learning, progress, outcomes, character development and their progression to their future pathways.

Differentiation enabling Curriculum Access: Our teachers will set high expectations for every student, whatever their prior attainment. Assessment targets (based on prior attainment) will be set centrally by the School according to the School’s Assessment Policy. Teachers will set individual student next steps towards their targets based on their assessment of student’s individual work and their developmental needs which are deliberately ambitious for the individual and are in line with this policy. In addition, teachers will provide specific, subject based, written, formative feedback in the form of marking to enable students to work towards their next milestone in the subject. Lessons will be planned to address any potential areas of difficulty and to remove barriers to student achievement. In the majority of cases, this will mean that students with SEN and disabilities will be able to study the full curriculum.

Nurture Group: Some students in Key Stage 3 may be part of a nurture group. This comprises of a small group of students that have been identified by the SENCO and colleagues in our Primary Feeders. They receive their subject specific teaching as a group of students, supported by a Learning Support Assistant, rather than in sets by ability. Their curriculum diet is focused particularly on literacy, numeracy and social skills development, although they have access to a broad range of subjects, including arts, PE and science through which these skills are supported. Their curriculum is overseen and monitored by the SENCO. The nurture group has a curriculum base for the majority of their teaching although they do move around the School to access some specialist teaching areas. Teaching staff for the nurture group meet regularly with the SENCO to discuss students’ progress and the strategies that maximise progress of students within this group. The nurture group programme runs over the course of one year and students may remain in the group for all the year or be moved out to the mainstream curriculum. Students are supported to make the transition from the nurture group to the mainstream curriculum and this may take the form of a staggered approach. Nurture group students are fully integrated into the Learning Village pastoral system and attend tutor time with other students.

Alternative Provision: Batchwood School may commission alternative provision for students who face barriers to participation in mainstream education. Alternative Provision will be used only when other mainstream options have been exhausted. Parents and students need to be in agreement and parents will need to sign paperwork. Providers are quality assured by the Vocational Learning Co-ordinator who works closely with all chosen providers. Batchwood School only works with providers who meet our high expectations of our students in terms of education, support, safeguarding and aspirations. Parents are kept closely informed of their child’s progress by the Vocational Learning Co-ordinator. With parental/carers agreement, information is shared with the provider regarding the child’s SEND. Batchwood School will, in the main through the Vocational Learning Co-ordinator, ensure that there is a clear progression plan and keep the arrangements under review, adapting to the needs of the student. Should an alternative provider have concerns about a child who may have SEN that are not being met, they should raise their concerns with the Vocational Learning Co-ordinator who will liaise with the Director of Access (SENCO).

Online Learning: Online learning is a form of alternative provision. It can provide real-time teaching support and may provide a broader curriculum and offer opportunities for students to interact with each other. Batchwood School can make decisions to make use of online learning for students with SEN, although it will take into account the views of parents, students or professionals when making this decision. Where feasible, online learning will be accompanied by opportunities for face-to-face contact with peers. Any decision to use online learning from a student’s home will include an assessment of their suitability for independent learning and their home circumstances.

Character: At Batchwood School we believe that developing a student’s character is an essential part of their preparation for successful adult life. We have identified the characteristics of zest, grit, self-control, optimism, gratitude, social intelligence and curiosity as highly predictive strengths in successful adults based on the research of the University of Pennsylvania and Michigan. We recognise that all our students, including our SEN students will have different starting points in all of these characteristics. We are weaving character development through our teaching and wider learning experiences and believe that by developing a common language for these characteristics of success, we are helping to prepare our students for their future in the widest possible sense. Character development forms an important part of delivery for all years but year 7 in particular. It is a central component to the planning of the curriculum for our nurture groups.

Enrichment: All students, including SEN are encouraged to attend at least one enrichment session per week. Students have many wider enrichment opportunities within their curriculum, including trips and visits. Individual student’s needs will be taken into account when planning for these. A student with SEND should not be prevented from participating fully in enrichment because of their SEND needs.

At Batchwood School your child’s progress is continually monitored by subject teachers and the Senior Leadership Team. In addition:

• Progress is reviewed formally at the end of every half term. • Students’ profiles are posted to parents each half term, showing their child’s targets, current working grades and attitude to learning grades for each subject studied. • There are also opportunities to gain information about progress expectations and to discuss your child’s progress at meetings for all parents, which include Key Information Meetings in September, Target Setting and Review Day and Parents’ Evenings later in the year. • If your child has complex SEN needs, you will be invited in once every term to attend a review meeting, where we can discuss your child’s progress with you and your child and together develop a plan for the next term. • In addition, the progress of students with a Statement of SEN or EHC Plan is formally reviewed once a year at an Annual Review with you, your child and all adults involved with her education. • Our SENCO will also check that your child is making good progress within any individual work, and in any group, that they take part in.

Transition from Primary: Batchwood School works closely in partnership with all its feeder schools. Information is shared between the School and the feeder school with regard to SEN where this is agreed with the parents and students involved. As part of the transition process, students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with the SENCO and pastoral staff /DSP and the SEN support team and to visit Access where SEN and well-being support takes place. There is usually opportunity for students to take part in induction activities as part of the whole School transition programme for example ‘New Beginnings’, induction days and/or Summer School.

Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 Transition: Students in year 9 are fully supported to make their curriculum choices for Key Stage 4. Within the ECHP, students will discuss appropriate subject choices that meet their needs and aspirations for the future, including post-16 education.

Careers Education: Batchwood School will ensure that all students between years 8 to 11 are provided with independent careers guidance (see Careers Policy). Batchwood School will ensure that it works to raise the career aspirations of all our students and broaden their employment horizons via opportunities such as taster days; work experience; mentoring; enterprise experiences; role models and inspiring speakers.

Support to Prepare for Adulthood: Batchwood School will work to understand the interests, strengths and motivations of our students and use this as a basis to plan support around them. We will provide support to ensure that students are included in social groups and encouraged to make friendships. This may be through full participation in the tutor programme; social skills workshops; pastoral work; nurture group membership or one to one support in the form of counselling or other well-being support. In addition, all students are be encouraged to take part in enrichment activities both within and beyond the School day, this includes the extended day; trips and visits

Preparation for Adulthood: For students in year 9 onwards, Batchwood School will seek to work in partnership with other agencies such as employment services; West Herts College; post-16 providers and 6th forms; alternative education partners; housing agencies; disability organisations and other relevant agencies as required to ensure that students understand what support and opportunity is available for them as they get older. Where possible, Batchwood School will seek opportunities for students to meet disabled adults who are successful in their work or who have made a significant contribution to their community. For teenage students, the focus on achievement and post-16 options is essential; this will include preparation for higher education and/or employment. Training options such as supported internships, apprenticeships and traineeships or support for setting up your own business will be discussed as required. For all our students transition planning will result in clear outcomes being agreed that are ambitious and stretching in preparing the student for adulthood.

Young People making their Own Decisions: As our students develop, Batchwood School will ensure they are more and more closely involved in the decisions about their own future. We recognise that after compulsory school age the right to make requests and decisions under the Children and Families Act 2014 applies to them directly, rather than to their parents. In the vast majority of cases, parents will be involved in supporting our students to make decisions. Batchwood School will continue to involve parents/carers wherever possible and appropriate, but the final decision rests with the young person. Batchwood School will continue to involve parents where there are concerns around attendance, behaviour or welfare. In addition, Batchwood School will continue to be involved in discussions around the young person’s studies and progress whatever post-16 destination, to ensure they remain and complete their studies. This is our commitment to our students.

Planning Transition into Post-16 Education and Training: In year 9, Batchwood School will enable students to explore the various post-16 options and the help that can be provided to get the student to this point. In year 10, more specific courses and providers will be explored, to include taster days or visits as relevant. In year 11, students and families will be supported to decide on a firm destination post-16 and to familiarise them with the expected new setting. This will include contingency planning. Information about previous SEN provision will be shared with any post-16 provider before the young person takes their place, preferably in the Spring Term prior to their start to enable the provider to develop a suitable support plan. Batchwood School will share this information sensitively and with the best interests of the student at the centre. Students must agree the information to be shared.

We consider all users, including staff, governors, visitors and others who use the School, and remove barriers that might deny anyone access to our School/services. The layout of our school building is simple, spacious, attractive, accessible and clearly signposted. Students with a physical disability have the option of a personalised rooming timetable that ensures no stairs are used or needed. Our programme of extra-curricular activities is accessible for all students. Most equipment used in classrooms is accessible to all students regardless of their needs, and we provide adaptive technology or other equipment for those who need it to access the curriculum. If a disabled student wishes to attend Batchwood School we will always do our utmost to make the adjustments to the building, curriculum and resources needed

All students with a medical condition will be properly supported to ensure that they have full access to the School curriculum, including enrichments, School trips and physical education. We treat each student with a medical need, as an individual and in some cases we may offer a personalised timetable or slow reintegration back into school after longer periods of absence. Some students may need a Health Care Plan, which will be drawn up in partnership with parents/carers, healthcare professionals and our SENCO. Information such as triggers, signs, symptoms and treatments and strategies for managing an emergency will be shared with staff.

Depending on the medical needs of a student, staff may be required to have additional training about a specific medical condition or specific training in administering a particular type of medicine or dealing with emergencies.

Our trained member of staff Ms D Hawkes is responsible for students with medical needs.

Involving Specialists: Where a student continues to make less than expected progress, despite evidenced based support and interventions that are matched to the student’s area of need, the School will consider involving specialists or outside agencies for example: educational psychologists, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMH), specialist teachers such as those for Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired or Multi-Sensory Impaired, therapists such as speech and language therapists. This may involve working with the local authority on joint commissioning. The involvement of specialists and what was discussed or agreed should always be recorded and shared with parents/carers and teaching staff involved in supporting the student. The SENCO and tutor along with the Specialist, involving the parents, should consider a range of evidence-based supports for the student. They should agree outcomes to be achieved through the support, including a review date. Batchwood School works closely with the School Nurse who sees students through appointments or drop-ins.

Further information about SEN provision at Batchwood can be found:

• in our SEND policy (About Us) on our website
• direct contact with Ms Jo Murphy (SENCO)
• direct contact with the school office