Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
Our Mission
Our mission at Hexham First School is to create an inclusive culture and a high-quality, supportive environment where all pupils feel that they belong. We want every pupil to achieve, belong, and thrive as they progress through their school journey. Inclusion is embedded in all aspects of the school day, including access to an adaptive curriculum tailored to meet diverse needs and promote personal development. We provide a range of targeted interventions to support pupils, such as sensory circuits and Lego therapy, alongside the use of our new sensory room. Additionally, our Key Stage 2 therapeutic classrooms offer a nurturing space to support pupils’ emotional and educational needs, ensuring they receive personalised support to flourish.
School Context
Currently, we have 70 pupils from Nursery to Year 4. The proportion of pupils receiving SEND support (43%) is above the national average, while the proportion of children with a statement or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is in line with the national average.
Special Educational Needs Policy
Our Special Educational Needs Policy outlines how we meet the needs of children experiencing difficulties, in accordance with the SEND Code of Practice. This policy is available for download on this page.
Identification and Partnership with Parents
At Hexham First, we prioritise early identification of needs through continuous assessment of basic skills. Parents are consulted as soon as staff identify any concerns, and we encourage a strong partnership with families to provide the best possible support for each child. We collaborate closely with a range of external services to ensure individual needs are accurately assessed and addressed.
Governance and Monitoring
Our SEND Link Governor (new governor to be confirmed) meets with Miss Barton (SENCo) on a termly basis to discuss SEND provision at Hexham First. Please contact the school office if you would like to request a summary of these termly meetings.
SEND Information Report and Local Offer
Hexham First School publishes a SEND Information Report developed in consultation with staff and governors. Pupil voice and parental views are central to our inclusive practice and were integral to creating this report.
Northumberland County Council also publishes a Local Offer, providing information on services and support available locally. You can access this via the Family Services Directory and Local Offer website https://www.northumberlandsend.co.uk/
Additionally, the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service offers free and confidential support to families of children with SEND. For more information, please follow this link:https://northumberlandiass.org.uk/
Medical Needs
We have experience supporting children with a range of medical needs. Where appropriate, children with specific medical needs have individual care plans. Staff receive training, including from medical professionals, to meet these needs effectively.
Copies of Documents
If you require paper copies or large print versions of any of our documents, please contact the school office.