Bradfield C.E. (VA) Primary School

Last updated: 11/10/2023

We are a happy, friendly and forward-thinking Church of England primary school. (NOR 148), set in a beautiful rural location in the heart of West Berkshire. We serve pupils of all faiths, or none, from Bradfield Southend and the surrounding villages.

We have a breakfast and after school club called Mighty Allstars which provides wrap around care from 7.45 - 6pm every day during term time. We also have various extra curricular after school clubs such as Dance, Judo, Gardening, Football, Fencing, Tech and Art. These vary from term to term but run most, if not all, days of the week.

In our last OFSTED report we maintained good, the report recognised that our special educational needs coordinator worked closely with teachers and parents to make sure that pupils with SEND got the right support. It stated that adults support pupils with SEND to build confidence, as well as knowledge. As a result, they achieve well personally and academically.

Through their time with us, we aim to nurture pupils to become self-confident and accomplished young people ready for the challenges of secondary school. As a a VA Church of England school our vision is to be inclusive and to offer all children the opportunities they need to achieve their potential. We believe in equity over equality.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Clair Harris
Contact Position
SENDCo
Telephone
0118 974 4304
E-mail
office@bradfieldceprimary.co.uk
Website
Bradfield C.E. (VA) Primary School

Where to go

Name
Bradfield CE Primary
Address
Cock Lane
Bradfield
Reading
Berkshire
Postcode
RG7 6HR

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
4-11

Inclusion Information

Dietary Needs

Has Provision
Yes
Experience with
Yes
Details
We have children who have severe allergies and other medical conditions. Children have personal health care plans if required and individual needs are catered for when a child has a medical need relating to this.

Local Offer

Description

We are a happy, friendly and forward-thinking Church of England primary school. (NOR 148), set in a beautiful rural location in the heart of West Berkshire. We serve pupils of all faiths, or none, from Bradfield Southend and the surrounding villages.

We have a breakfast and after school club called Mighty Allstars which provides wrap around care from 7.45 - 6pm every day during term time. We also have various extra curricular after school clubs such as Dance, Judo, Gardening, Football, Fencing, Tech and Art. These vary from term to term but run most, if not all, days of the week.

In our last OFSTED report we maintained good, the report recognised that our special educational needs coordinator worked closely with teachers and parents to make sure that pupils with SEND got the right support. It stated that adults support pupils with SEND to build confidence, as well as knowledge. As a result, they achieve well personally and academically.

Through their time with us, we aim to nurture pupils to become self-confident and accomplished young people ready for the challenges of secondary school. As a a VA Church of England school our vision is to be inclusive and to offer all children the opportunities they need to achieve their potential. We believe in equity over equality.

Contact Name
Clair Harris
Contact Telephone
0118 9744304
Contact Email
office@bradfieldceprimary.co.uk
Links
https://bradfieldceprimary.co.uk/
SEN Provision Type
Medical, Specific Literacy Difficulties, Speech & Language Difficulties, Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Visual Impairment
Local Offer Age Bands
5 to 7
7 to 11
Needs Level
Low

Mainstream

1. Identification of SEND
1.1: How does the school identify children/young people with special educational needs and disabilities?

Identification of SEND is a whole school responsibility and assessment and tracking of pupils a whole school process, undertaken on at least a termly basis. More detailed information can be found on our school website where you will find our SEND policy.  The class teacher is responsible for checking on the progress of all pupils alerting the SENDCO when targeted teaching has not met the child’s needs. The senior leadership team is responsible for tracking progress termly and for ensuring that pupils who are not on track are given the appropriate support. The school operates a Graduated Approach to SEND, this means that a child may be monitored and support given before a decision is made as to whether they need to be placed on the SEND register.

1.2: What should I do if I think my child has SEND?

Parents are encouraged to inform the school of any concerns regarding their child’s needs and/or disabilities. Contact can be made via the office, mail or telephoning the school and speaking to the class teacher. Meetings with the school SENDCo are then put into place as needed.

2. Support for children with special educational needs
2.1: If my child is identified as having SEND, who will oversee and plan their education programme?

The class teacher will oversee and plan for the education of the child with SEND. Advice, guidance and support will be given by the school SENDCo who is also responsible for reporting outcomes and provision to external audiences. Additional advice may also be sought from outside agencies to inform the class teacher's planning.

2.2: How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?

Parents are kept well informed of any additional help that is being offered to their child. Parents of children who have an Individual Development Plan (IDP)), Individual Behaviour plan (IBP), Therapeutic Plan (TP)or an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) in place are invited to meet and review their child's progress at least termly and more frequently if needed. If advice from outside agencies is sought, parents are asked for their support and consent before any action is taken.

2.3: How will the school balance my child's need for support with developing their independence?

Monitoring takes place via the class teacher, who works closely with the teaching assistants to help pupils develop personal independence and ensure that they are able to access as much of the academic curriculum as possible with the appropriate level of support. As a school we try to ensure that all children develop to their potential through support that enables equity.

2.4: How will the school match / differentiate the curriculum for my child's needs?

We are committed to doing all that we can to ensure that appropriate provision is made for children with SEND and that, as far as possible, they are taught alongside their peers. It is the school’s policy to ensure that they have full access to our broad, balanced curriculum. The class teacher will plan accordingly for a child with SEND to ensure their needs are met.

2.5: What teaching strategies does the school use for children with learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, visual impairment, speech and language difficulties?

The school will look at the child’s individual needs and take advice from outside agencies when needed to help plan for the child with SEND. Opportunities for CPD for all staff, as well as the SENCo and/or class teacher, will always be sought to ensure that appropriate teaching strategies and methodologies are employed to address individual pupil's needs.

We aim to deliver a child centred curriculum that provides many and varied opportunities for active and collaborative learning, providing for different learning styles. Class teachers have had extensive training on how the classroom environment can support children with learning difficulties. The SENCo also collates a termly provision map which outlines the specific support and strategies teachers are using to ensure that they meet the needs of all their pupils fully. As a school we use a well-being centred approach to supporting children, helping those with additional needs to build secure relationships and become ready to learn.

2.6: What additional staffing does the school provide from its own budget for children with SEND?
  • TA support in class
  • TA run interventions
  • ELSA support
  • SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)
  • Nurture Room
2.7: What specific intervention programmes does the school offer to children with SEND and are these delivered on a one to one basis or in small groups?
Type / TitleIntervention Type
Precision Teaching ELSA Handwriting Reading STAR (Reading) Wordshark SNAP Maths OT programmes SALT programmes Acceleread / Write SNIP (Spelling) One to one
Handwriting Fast Track Phonics SIBS (support group for children whose sibling has a SEND) ELSA friendship groups NELI Small group
2.8: What resources and equipment does the school provide for children with SEND?

The school will respond to the pupil’s individual needs. Equipment that can be loaned are: laptops, writing slopes, triangular grip pencils, software on computers, reading resources.

We have wheelchair access and toilet facilities.

2.9: What special arrangements can be made for my child when taking examinations?

There are a range of special arrangements that can be made for a child with SEND when taking examinations. These are set out by the JCQ regulations and the SENCo/Class teacher will inform parents about the eligibility and advisability of these arrangements. Special arrangements may include additional time, access to a scribe and / or access to a reader.

3. My child's progress
3.1: How will the school monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?

Pupil progress will be monitored and tracked on a half termly basis through the school's normal assessment and reporting processes. The class teacher communicates with parents via parents' consultation evenings and additional arranged meetings are held with the class teacher, SENCo and other relevant school staff as needed. The SENCo is also responsible for reporting on the progress of all pupils with SEND to the headteacher, the governing body and the local authority.  

3.2: When my child's progress is being reviewed, how will new targets be set and how will I be involved?

The class teacher and the SENCo will lead an initial meeting with parents to discuss and set specific targets for learning which can be both home and school based. This meeting will inform and generate a 'Support and Achievement Plan,' or a 'Therapeutic Plan.'These are then reviewed with the parents on a termly basis and new targets are set as and when pupils are ready. Pupils meet with a key member of staff to talk about their learning and support and discuss possible next steps.

3.3: ln addition to the school's normal reporting arrangements, what opportunities will there be for me to discuss my child's progress with school staff?

The school encourages all parents to be as involved as possible in their child's education. Parents can contact the school office to arrange additional meetings with the class teacher and SENCo at any time in the school year. 

3.4: What arrangements does the school have for regular home to school contact?

Regular letters and newsletters are sent home via Parent Mail and the website is regularly updated. All children have a home/school reading record book which can be used for communication. Conversations between parents and class teachers are encouraged at the end of the school day. Individual arrangements can be made, depending on the needs of the child with SEND, to make regular contact.

3.5: How can I help support my child's learning?

Each class has an established homework routine which includes reading, maths, and spelling work, computer based. Adaptations will always be made for children who have additional learning needs. You can help by checking your child’s homework and encouraging completion and organisation at home. It is also crucially important to listen to your child read / share books, ideally daily, even when they become more confident readers.

3.6: Does the school offer any help for parents / carers to enable them to support their child's learning, eg. training or learning events?

There are evenings arranged during the school year to help parents with understanding the school curriculum, for example, phonics. These events will be communicated home via e-mail or if requested a letter. There are also class pages on the website for every year, with  curriculum information. The SENCo will also help parents in signposting and supporting them to other professionals when needed.

3.7: How will my child's views be sought about the help they are getting and the progress they are making?

Via their input into plans through talking with them on a one to one basist. Regular conversation and feedback with the class teacher and/or TA.

Pupil voice, where pupils are asked for their opinions, is part of our school's regular monitoring process.  

3.8: What accredited and non accredited courses do you offer for young people with SEND?

N/A

3.9: How does the school assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers and young people take part in this evaluation?

Pupil progress is monitored half termly. At the end of every full term the progress made by groups of pupils is analysed in detail. This feeds in to the School Developmentt Plan and review process.

The school is always interested to receive parental feedback throughout the school year. A nominated governor is tasked to audit and review provision and outcomes. He/She meets with the SENCo on a termly basis.

The school also seeks parental views through surveys. The SENCo meets with children to talk about their learning and well being, this is shared with staff to enable them to develop further effective practice.

4. Support for my childs overall well being
4.1: What support is available to promote the emotional and social development of children with SEND?

We have a comprehensive programme of ELSA support (Emotional Literacy Support) which is run by qualified ELSA assistants. This comprises of 1:1 support sessions and can also be in the form of group support if children need support in building relationships with others. The ELSAs work closely with the Headteacher, SENCo and Vulnerable Pupils Champion and class teachers so that strategies for support provided in 1:1 sessions can be extended in the classroom. All the teachers support our whole school ethos and values and all children are nurtured and supported as individuals. Additionally we look at how our extended curriculum and after school clubs can support pupils' social and emotional development.

.

4.2: What support does the school put in place for children who find it difficult to conform to normal behavioural expectations and how do you support children to avoid exclusion?

In consultation with the class teacher/SENCo/Headteacher and parents, short term targets are agreed and prioritise key areas of behaviour to address. These are then written into an Therapeutic or Individual Behaviour Plan. Outside agency support can be sought, including the Therapuetic Thinking Support Team and the Educational Psychologist. Staff have had training on supporting children with particularly complex behavioural and emotional needs.

We have a Nurture Group class which offers medium term support for children who are currently unable to access full days in their own classroom.  This group is focused on developing social and behavioural skills and building self esteem.

4.3: What medical support is available in the school for children with SEND?

All of our classroom assistants and lunchtime supervisors have up to date first aid training. We have a Medical Room and facilities available to address particular needs. All pupils with specific medical needs have a Health Care Plan in place which is set up between parents and the Medical Manager and/ or Headteacher.

4.4: How does the school manage the administration of medicines?

Parents have to fill in a ‘Medical Consent Form’ and then medicines are kept in a tamperproof cupboard or a designated fridge. Medicines are administered by trained staff.

4.5: How does the school provide help with personal care where this is needed, eg. help with toileting, eating etc?

Appropriate provision for individuals is provided including close liaison between the class teachers and lunchtime supervisors. There is a disabled toilet in the school.

5. Specialist services available / accessed by the school
5.1: What SEN support services does the school use, eg. specialist support teachers, educational psychologists, teachers for hearing impairment and visual impairment, ASD advisory teachers, behaviour support teachers etc?
  • The LA Cognition and Learning Team for SEND
  • The Special Needs Support Team (SNST)
  • Pre-school Teacher and Counselling Service
  • Sensory Consortium Service – teachers of hearing impairment and visual impairment
  • ASD advisory teacher
  • Child and Young Persons Integrated Therapies (CYPIT) (including Speech and Language Therapy)
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
  • Educational Psychologist Service
  • Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS)
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Therapeutic Thinking Support Team (TTST)
  • Specialist Inclusion Support Service (SISS)
  • SEN Assess Team
  • Emotional Health Academy (EHA)
  • Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
5.2: What should I do if I think my child needs support from one of these services?

Contact the school’s SENCo to establish if your child meets the criteria to access support from these services.

5.3: How are speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services provided?

These can be accessed by a referral from your GP or through the school.

5.4: What should I do if I think my child needs to be seen by a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or physiotherapist?

Make an appointment with the school office to speak to your child's class teacher along with the SENCo.

5.5: What arrangements does the school have for liaison with Children's Social Care services?

The Headteacher is the named designated person who works closely with social care services to support individual children and is also the safeguarding lead. 

6. Training of school staff in SEND
6.1: What SEND training is provided for teachers in your school?

In house training from SENCo, including attachment disorders, dyslexia and ADHD

Staff induction programmes

Additional bespoke training is considered to meet the needs of individual children.

SENCo engages in LA opportunities to share best practice and keep abreast of current local and national issues.

We also complete training to support medical needs for example, asthma.

Some staff are trained in Team Teach

All school staff are trained in Therapeutic Thinking, this supports the whole school approach.

 

6.2: What SEND training is provided for teaching assistants and other staff in your school?

ELSA

SNAP Maths

Precision Teaching

Phonics

Manual Handling

STAR (Reading)

Speech Therapy

We also complete training to support medical needs for example, asthma.

 Team Teach training (Some staff)

Speech and language therapy specific to need, e.g. stammering / using colourful semantics. 

Acceleread/write

NELI

 

6.3: Do teachers have any specific qualifications in SEND?

Our SENCO is currently studying for the post graduate certificate in SEND.

 

6.4: Do teaching assistants have any specific qualifications in SEND?

No but their training is reviewed regularly and is designed to support them to cater for immediate needs in the school. 

This year all our TAs have completed additional training on supporting children in their return to school. Some TAs have undertaken training during lock-down on topics from trauma to skills of the Teaching Assistant. 

One TA is a strategic lead in Attachment and has a Level 5 qualification in Trauma - Attachment and Loss.

Our ELSAs have completed accredited ELSA training.

 

7. Activities outside the classroom including school trips
7.1: How do you ensure children with SEND can be included in out of school activities and trips?

Appropriate planning and risk assessments are carried out prior to the trip, always in close consultation with the parents. We always carry out a pre-site visit to ensure that the needs of pupils will be met. 

7.2: How do you involve parents / carers in planning the support required for their child to access activities and trips?

Parents will be contacted to discuss activities and trips according to SEND need.

8. Accessibility of the school environment
8.1: How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?

The school is accessible for wheelchair users.It is single storey with a door ramp for easy access and there are two disabled toilets.

8.2: Have adaptations / improvements been made to the auditory and visual environment?

We have a development programme in place to improve the quality of visual resources via the interactive whiteboards. Children with additional needs can use a laptop as appropriate. We have used speech recognition technology to support children with specific additional needs.

8.3: Are there accessible changing and toilet facilities?

There is a disabled toilet facility.

8.4: How do you ensure that all the school's facilities can be accessed by children with SEND?

The environment and equipment can be adapted to meet individual need. These are always considered as part of the Support and Achievement Plan/ Therapeutic Plan.

8.5: How does the school communicate with parents / carers who have a disability?

Parents are consulted on the best way to communicate and every effort is made to accommodate need.

8.6: How does the school communicate with parents / carers whose first language is not English?

Parents are consulted on the best way to communicate and external assistance is sought if necessary.

9. Preparing my child to join a new school / next stage of education
9.1: What preparation will there be for both the school and my child before he or she joins the school?
  • Information is shared from feeder nursery schools to the Early Years teacher.
  • Visits from the Early Years teacher to the feeder nursery school.
  • The Pre-school Teacher Counselling Service will continue to liaise with both settings until the term after the child's 5th birthday to ensure that the transition has been smooth.
  • Each child's needs are considered on an individual basis and additional visits and transition activities can be arranged as necessary
  • When a child is joining from another school whenever possible contact will be made with the SENCo / teacher and files on support and plans requested.
  • Transition visits and parent information evenings are held. additional visits are put into place as needed.
  • Children starting school will be teamed up with an older buddy to support them in school.
9.2: How will my child be prepared to move on to the next stage within school, e.g. class or key stage?

SEN information is shared with staff and appropriate intervention is put into place for an easy transition to the next class. There is always an internal tranistion morning when each pupil is able to meet their new class teacher before the end of the year.

Additional transitional work is completed on a bespoke level according to children's needs.

When moving to secondary school, there will be extra visits arranged for vulnerable children and ASD transition meetings, if applicable.

9.3: How will my child be prepared to move on to his or her next school?

Extra visits / meetings can be put into place to meet key staff and to help your child become familiar with a new setting. We have strong links with our feeder schools. (See above).

9.4: How will you support a new school to prepare for my child?

SEND information will be sent to the new school in readiness for the new start. We will liaise with the SENCo’s of the respective schools and ensure that contact is made and information is exchanged. We will set up transition meetings with the parents and SENcos of both schools if required. We will ensure that additional resources are shared between schools so that familiar strategies for support can also be transferred. 

9.5: What information will be provided to my child's new school?

Previous interventions and outcomes along with any plans or Education and Health Care Plans will be sent to the child’s new school.

9.6: How will the school prepare my child for the transition to further education or employment?

N/A

10. Who can I contact to discuss my child?
10.1: Who would be my first point of contact if I want to discuss something about my child or if I am worried?

The child’s class teacher should be the first point of contact if you are worried and want to discuss anything.

10.2: Does the school offer any specific support for parents / carers and families (such as Family Support Workers?)

Bradfield Primary School can recommend West Berkshire Parent Partnership Services.

The school work alongside a range of services from the Autism Support Team to the Mental Health Support Team. We support parents in referrals to access services or to work alongside services offered in school time. When needed we will support parents through signposting or joint contact with specialist support.

10.3: What arrangements does the school have for signposting parents / carers to external agencies which can offer support, such as voluntary agencies?

Information from external agencies is sent out to parents and is on display on school notice boards.

The SENco and the lead teacher for vulnerable pupils will also support parents to find the appropriate agencies to support their needs. 

10.4: What arrangements does the school have for feedback from parents, including compliments and complaints?

Full School Report

School Complaints Procedure

Email feedback

Communications Folder

Questionnnaire Feedback 

Quality checks

  • DBS check

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