At Buckswood school we know that every child is unique and has a talent, but we also recognise that those talents can be hidden or be prevented from being shown to their full potential, because of a personal learning need. The government in England identify students with specific learning needs and disabilities as students with ‘Special Educational Needs or Disabilities’ SEND. As a school we take full account of the statutory documentation and embed with the fundamental principles contained in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice. But we do this in the Buckswood Way, with the Buckswood difference. This is why we refer to SEN as Personal Educational Needs (PEN).

If you believe your child may require any level of additional support, short or long term please let the admissions team know. Before arrival at Buckswood we gather any information provided by parents, previous schools, specialist reports, observations from taster days, video interviews and assessments; this information allows us to put in place strategies to help them reach their full potential from their first day.

Assess, Plan, Do, Review

In line with the government guidance and because it is highly effective, we follow the cycle Assess, Plan, Do and Review. The diagram below shows the continuous cycle that is personalised and enables us to support students at whichever point they join our community.

Assess

On arrival at Buckswood all students are assed within the first few weeks, we do this using a robust and inclusive computerised programme; The Alis Baseline Assessment. The information from this is analysed and if there are any areas which indicate that your child may need support, we discuss this with you and plan any next steps.

Plan

Every student is an individual and every plan will be different. A plan may involve a level of monitoring, checking on progress or a 1:1 session where a student can request support at a specific time.

If a student needs an additional assessment, we can work with you to source the most suitable professional, such as an Educational Psychologist (EP). These professionals will complete independent assessments and create an in-depth report. The reports are used to set targets, create Individual Education Plans, identify possible Access arrangements for exams and give a variety of personalised learning strategies.

Do

Once a plan is made then action is needed. This may be setting SMART targets, accessing additional 1:1 lessons, attending access time, using technology or a resource to access or extend their learning and outcomes.

Review

Teachers will be regularly sharing information on progress with the HOY, HOD and SENCO: The SENCO will keep an overview and after an agreed period the student, key staff and parents will review how effective the plan has been.