Additional Educational Needs

All children are valued, respected and welcomed to the school whatever their additional educational need.

We have a fully inclusive ethos which determines that all pupils will be able to access the curriculum at a level appropriate for their individual needs. We ensure that our children get 'quality first teaching', which ensures that when teachers plan, they are making sure that they have differentiated their plans to a level appropriate for all children in their class incorporating the different layers of learning. This enables all children to make strong progress for them.

We will support their learning and ensure they are fully included in all school activities, making full use of externally provided facilities where appropriate.

To ensure that our provision in school is closely matched to the needs of each child, we draw upon the guidance of the Special Educational Needs Mainstream Core Standards. A parent guide is also available. In addition, when necessary, the school can liaise with the Specialist Teacher Service.

Information Advice and Support Kent (IASK) The Information and Advice and Support Kent (IASK) Service offers support and advice for parents - and families of disabled children - and children with SEN.

The Kent Parent Partnership Service offers support and advice for parents - and families of disabled children - and children with SEN.

Special educational needs (SEN) KCC education website.

Strategies we use in school

Dyslexia

Dyslexia-friendly classroom practices are reflected throughout the school. Please see whole school provision map as a guide to what we are able to offer pupils with dyslexia. Staff are supported to ensure they are meeting the needs of dyslexic children and we seek the advice of the Educational Psychology Service where appropriate. You can read more about dyslexia by visiting the British Dyslexia Association where you can read their latest newsletter. Other websites that might prove useful are Kent West Dyslexia Association and Dyslexia Action.

Irlens Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome is a specific type of perceptual problem that affects the way the brain processes visual information. It is not an optical problem.  For those with Irlen Syndrome, the brain is unable to process full spectral light. This can result in a range of distortions in the environment, a range of distortions on the printed page or physical and behavioural symptoms. If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing these types of difficulties, please speak with your class teacher or the Senco, Mrs. Wickham who will be able to share more information.

Speechlink

A speech programme which targets sounds that children have difficulties in producing. Children are tested within the school using this specialised computer programme and then the class teacher or teaching assistant delivers the suggested individualised programmes. There are occasions when the tests show that a child needs to be referred to Speech and Language Therapy for additional guidance and/or intervention.

Speech and Language

Individualised programmes submitted by a Speech Therapist assigned to this school which is delivered by the class teacher or teaching assistant. These are for children who have been referred, by the school or by a medical professional, to be assessed by the Speech and Language Therapy Service. These programmes can include speech sound production, language development and social skills, depending on the child’s needs.

EAL - English as an Additional Language

This is for children who have a first language other than English and may need further intervention with their English language understanding in order to aid their academic development.

Fizzy

The Fizzy programme has been developed by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. It is graded and measurable in three stages and works on three specific areas- balance, ball skills and body awareness.

Toe by Toe

This is a highly structured, multi-sensory individual reading programme which is specially designed for children needing additional support in acquiring reading and phonic skills.

Emotional support/counselling

This intervention is accessible to all pupils who may be experiencing difficulty with some aspects of home/school life e.g. a family bereavement which may impact on their school life.  The Village Academy employs a fully qualified counsellor to support pupils.

Anger management

This is provided to help young people understand why they are angry and how to deal with it in a positive and safe way.

Fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are vital to the development of many competencies in young children. Activities are divided into sections focusing on warming up, hand and finger strength, manipulation and eye-hand co-ordination. A programme called Clever Fingers is used for this purpose.

Autism

For advice or information on autism spectrum disorders please visit the National Autistic Society on www.autism.org.uk or the Kent Autistic Trust on www.kentautistic.com.

If you wish to discuss any of the above or a specific issue regarding your child, Mrs Metcalfe, the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), can be contacted as follows:

Tel: 01227 752202

Email: [email protected]