All children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and are fully included in all aspects of school life.
We believe that all children should be equally valued in school and strive to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. We provide a positive and supportive environment where all children can flourish without exception.
Witham St Hughs Academy is committed to inclusion. Part of the Academy’s strategic planning for improvement is to develop cultures, policies and practices that include all learners. We aim to promote a sense of community and belonging, and to offer new opportunities to learners who may need additional support.
Witham St Hughs Academy has an inclusive approach to teaching children with identified Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) which ensures that all pupils achieve their potential; personally, socially, emotionally and academically in all areas of the curriculum, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, social background, religion, physical ability or educational needs. We do this by removing barriers to learning and participation, providing an education that is appropriate to individual pupils’ needs, and promoting high standards and the fulfilment of potential for all.
Mrs Dexter is our SENDCo at Witham St Hughs Academy and Ms Ford is our pastoral leader. They work together with the wider staff team and local professionals to ensure the highest possible outcomes and expectations for pupils with SEND at our Academy.
We educate our young people with excellence and equity so that they may feel at ease in the world.
Michael Young and David Lambert
Witham St Hughs Academy has a climate of resilience, respect, unity, ambition and enjoyment. Our pupils can seek support from any member of staff and each other whenever the need may arise.
Early identification is key. If we feel a child may have a special educational need or disability, we talk to the people who know the child best – the parents/carers. We have an initial meeting alongside the class teacher and SENDCo to discuss the child’s strengths, areas of difficulty and next steps for the future. The teaching and learning requirements of all children with identified additional needs is primarily the responsibility of the class teacher. A variety of interventions, reasonable adjustments and provisions are discussed and then implemented to support the needs of the child.
For further information please see the SEN Academy Information Report below.
The pastoral staff at Witham St Hughs Academy offer a range of small group sessions for children who may be experiencing difficulty with matters affecting themselves, family and home. These sessions can cover important issues such as divorce and separation, grief and loss, anxiety and anger alongside other everyday issues that families may face.
There is designated time for children who are Young Carers, adopted or in care, or whose parents serve in the Armed Forces. The school provides drop in sessions to support children when needed in a dedicated nurture room. Children can also spend time in here for sensory support and regulation when required.
In addition to this, children are able to access specific pastoral support at any time throughout the day via Ms Ford and Mrs Dexter. This specialist pastoral support network offers both emotional and practical support for pupils and can draw on external agencies for further specialised support if necessary.
If parents or carers have a worry or concern about their child’s learning, emotional well-being or social interaction, they should contact a member of staff to discuss these further (this would normally be the child’s class teacher in the first instance).
Where there is a need, that cannot be accessed within or by school, advice and sign posting can be given to agencies and services, who will be able to provide support.
We ask that parents support school by communicating any difficulties that their child/ren may be experiencing.
Please feel welcome to drop into school or make contact via the school office on 01522 869590.
For further support and to access the Lincolnshire Local offer see below. The Family Services and Local Offer Directory sets out the support available in the local area for children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities (including those without an education, health and care (EHC) plan).
Local authorities (LAs) have a statutory duty to develop a local offer and publish it on their website.
www.childline.org.uk A counselling service for children. Call: 0800 1111
www.nspcc.org.uk NSPCC help and protect children at risk and find the best ways to prevent child abuse from ever happening.
www.samaritans.org Charity to reduce feelings of loneliness. Call: 116 123 (24 hours)
www.relate.org.uk Relationship support and counselling.
www.singleparents.org.uk An information site for anyone who is raising children on their own.
www.youngcarer.com Supporting young carers and their families.
www.youngminds.org.uk Young Minds is committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
www.autism.org.uk Advice and support for people with Autism and their families.
www.dyslexia.uk.net Advice and support for people with dyslexia and their families.
www.bda.org.uk Charity led by deaf people to support deaf people.
www.rnib.org.uk Support to blind and partially sighted people.
