SEND Information

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is committed to providing an inclusive education for all.  We believe that inclusion is at the heart of every classroom and that all students have the right to be safe and achieve.

The SEN faculty work closely with staff across the curriculum to ensure that all students can access lessons and make progress. The SEN team visit feeder primary schools and run additional transition sessions for students who could find the transition from primary to secondary school difficult. The team also attends annual reviews for students who have Education Health Care Plans and Individual Pupil Resource to ensure that that information is gathered about students and that the right support is in place. We have a dedicated and well-trained team who can be contacted easily.

Furthermore, the SEN team run a number of interventions including:

• Literacy and numeracy
• Social and Emotional skills
• Speech, language and communication 
• Physiotherapy

Students are also supported through a differentiated curriculum, numerous interventions and by specialist teaching staff. We have a dedicated physical disabilities team and a nurture provision for students with social, emotional and mental health needs.

For further information about the support we offer to students with Special Educational Needs, please see our local offer.

DACA SEND HANDBOOK The Lancashire and Cumbria autism support hub 

SEND Team

Teaching staff within the Department offer a wide range of specialist areas. Both the SENCo and Assistant SENCo hold the National SENCo Award and have completed a number of training programmes regarding Special Educational Needs.

What can a student expect from the Faculty

• Qualified and enthusiastic teaching staff
• Support form external agencies
• Regular contact with lead professionals
• Teaching strategies
• Careers advice and guidance
• Regular contact between school and parents
• Help, guidance and support

Extra-Curricular Clubs

Homework club – This runs Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3.15-4.30pm. Homework club offers support for all students with homework, there is access to computers, printers and additional resources.

Handwriting club – This runs on a Monday 3.15-4.15 to help students who have difficulties with handwriting.

KS4 Revision club – This runs every Thursday from 3.15-4.15, students can revise for core subject exams or complete coursework/classwork.

Breakfast club – Students in receipt of Pupil Premium monies can attend breakfast club from 7.45am and receive a free breakfast.

Aims

To develop student independence
To allow students to become successful and functioning adults
To improve the literacy and numeracy skills of all students
To offer opportunities for alternative curriculums
To provide a safe environment for students to succeed in
To work closely with outside agencies
To listen to student voice
To work closely with parents
To adapt teaching, planning and resources to suit the needs of all students
To provide necessary physical care
To provide necessary health care
To provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students
To support students in their subjects
To differentiate the curriculum accordingly

Key Stage 3 - Overview

At key stage 3 the SEN team offer support across the curriculum.

Key stage three students have access in class support as well as individualised intervention based on their needs.

Students will be provided with an Individual Education Plan (pupil passport) and a lead teaching assistant who will monitor their progress throughout the key stage.

Key Stage 4 - Overview

At key stage 4 the SEN team offer support across the curriculum.

Students will be given careers advice and guidance to help with option choices and post 16 options. Key stage 4 students also have the opportunity to visit a range of colleges and sixth forms in the area to ensure they are prepared for the future.

SEND Related Policies & Procedures

Accessibility plan Special Educational Needs Policy Intimate Care Policy SEND local offer Send Information Report