SEND

In our Graduated Approach we focus on delivering high quality teaching, enabling all learners to achieve in the classroom through differentiation and utilising the guidance set out in the Kent Mainstream Core Standards. Pupils with SEND are fully included in the Academy’s improvement cycle of analysis, action, evaluation and review, in order to build sustainable progress. Within this context, pupils with special educational needs will:

•  Be set suitable learning challenges with access to a broad and balanced curriculum, including the National Curriculum and Key Stage 4 options.

•  Be the responsibility of all staff who will respond to pupils diverse learning needs and help pupils overcome potential barriers to learning.

• Ensure that all staff are aware of the needs of our pupils and have a range of strategies that can support their needs.

• Be given help and guidance to prepare for adulthood, including independent and life skills.

In addition, our Academy will support pupils with SEND by:

• Partnership with parents / carers plays a vital role within our school and communication is key for their child to reach their full potential. Our school endeavours to support parents / carers through adjustments that are needed to support their child.

• Giving Pupils with SEND  full access to all school activities.

• Ensuring that, for any child with an EHC plan or Statement, our school will work with parents /carers, but most importantly listen to student voices. This communication and information will be used to fully understand the needs of the pupils. This information will then be used to develop a passport that provides strategies to help support the student’s needs.

• Ensuring that a Pupils with SEND joins in the activities of the school together with pupils who do not have SEND if he/she wishes to.

Teachers are on the front line in supporting all our pupils. Dover Christ Church Academy teachers are accountable and responsible for the progress of the pupils in their class. Teachers deliver high quality lessons through differentiated, adapted and well thought out lesson plans, to aid the needs of all our pupils within our educational environment. All Dover Christ Church Academy staff are provided with detailed SEND information and a variety of strategies that can be utilised to support a range of needs.

It is not assumed that a student has additional educational needs just because they have fallen behind with their learning. For any learner who does fall behind, the appropriate provision and interventions are put in place to reduce gaps in their learning. Targeted intervention is available for groups of pupils with emotional, social, or mental health issues. We also provide supervised provision during breaks and lunchtimes for pupils who require support during unstructured periods.

The Academy recognises the importance of positive relationships with parents / carers of all pupils with additional needs. The revised SEND Code of Practice emphasises the importance of positive, supportive attitudes to parents / carers and user-friendly information and procedures. All professionals working in the Academy will make every effort to ensure effective communication with parents.

The SENCo (Demetrious Michael) is a qualified teacher and has been awarded the National Award for SEN Coordination. The SENCo, with the support of the SEND administrator, is responsible for the day-to-day support required for pupils with SEND.

All staff within the Academy are expected to help parents / carers understand how to contribute effectively to their child’s education and will make every effort to ensure that parents / carers understand their rights and responsibilities. All relevant information will be provided in a way for all to understand and respond to.

If you wish to contact the SEND department call the Academy on 01304 820126 and ask for the SEND department or you can email:

Mr Michael or Mrs L Humphries on: dccasend@turnerschools.com