SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Co-Ordinator:
Mrs C Ketley
Contact details:
Email: - senco@st-bartholomewsrc-pri.kent.sch.uk
Phone : - 01322 663119 (dial option 2)
SEND Teaching Assistants:
Mrs R Beard - SEND Learning Partner
Mrs I Andrews - SEND Learning Partner
SEND at St Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School
At St Bartholomew's, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Our SEND provision is managed by our SENDCo, Mrs Ketley. She is a qualified teacher who works Monday - Friday. All teachers at St Bartholomew's have received SEND training, and work tirelessly to create inclusive classrooms for all of our learners.
We are lucky to have a team of teaching assistants who help to support children in their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our dedicated team works closely with children, families, and external professionals to ensure that every child receives the personalised support they need to thrive.
We celebrate diversity and equality, and believe that every child has unique strengths and abilities. Through tailored learning plans and a nurturing atmosphere, we aim to empower our students to reach their full potential. Together, we can make a positive difference in every child's educational journey.
If you have any concerns about your child, please speak to the class teacher in the first instance.
Mrs Ketley is usually on the school gate on Thursday mornings, and most days after school, should you wish to talk to her.
For more information, please see our SEND Policy and SEND Information Report below.
SEND Information
Identification of Need
Catholic Social Teaching
Our School Rules
Accessibility at St Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School
Disabled Access to St. Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School is as follows:
Wheelchairs / mobility scooter entrance via ramp to the main reception area with access through the school building and out to the field or playground.
If you require special assistance please phone the school office.
Interventions
Drawing and Talking
Drawing and Talking is a therapeutic intervention for children and adults. It is designed as a short-term pro-active intervention intended to complement, rather than replace, the work of Specialist Mental Health Services. Through a 12-week cycle of sessions this non-intrusive tool allows children and young people to bring what they need to their sessions. Utilising drawing as a way to help them express their feelings differently in ordinary verbal language. The Drawing and Talking therapeutic approach allows individuals to discover and communicate emotions through a non-directed technique. This is what sets Drawing and Talking apart from existing solution-focused and cognitive based therapies and interventions.
Mrs Ketley is a qualified Draw and Talk Practitioner. If you would like to enquire about securing your child a place within this intervention, please call the office on 01322 663119.
CRIBS
At St Bartholomew's, the Mental Health and Wellbeing of the children is of paramount importance. We strive to ensure that the wellbeing of the children is put at the heart of everything we do.
In order to help us to achieve this, we are very lucky to have an outside agency come in and offer some interventions to small groups of children.
CRIBS is a course which aims to raise awareness of the emotions we feel and how to articulate them. It equips children to grow in confidence, build friendships and deal with disagreements.
We have been running this intervention for a number of years with very positive impact on the children.
All those involved in the programme are DBS checked.
This will be run in school every Friday. The children either attend in small groups or individually.
If you have any questions about the programme, or your child’s participation in it, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Ketley.
Speech and Language
We. work on a Balanced System, a scheme for schools commissioned by KCC, which offers a whole system strategic approach to supporting children and people with speech, language and communication needs.
Makaton
We are very excited to announce that in September 2023, we introduced Makaton signing in the Early Years! Miss Synnuck and Mrs Hopkins have taught the Reception children some helpful Makaton signs that they might need around the classroom.
Every year, the new intake of children will begin their learning of Makaton signing communication, and will be given the opportunity to use these signs as they make their way through the school, all the way to Year 6.
Mrs Ketley is trained in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Makaton, and is hoping to learn Level 4 very soon.
Every week in our Celebration Liturgy, Mrs Ketley shares a new sign of the week. This is then added to the newsletter to be shared with parents and carers.
Mainstream Core Standards
The Mainstream Core Standards (MCS) is the provision that Kent County Council (KCC), the Local Authority, expects to be made available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities attending mainstream schools.
Please see below a useful parents' guide, which explains how we use the MCS at St Bartholomew's Catholic Primary School, in all of our classrooms.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects how some children read, write, and spell. It's important to remember that dyslexia doesn't mean a child cannot achieve —it just means their brain processes information differently. With the right support and understanding, children with dyslexia can thrive and succeed in school. At our school, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child receives the help they need to reach their full potential.
Please see below to find some useful resources to support children with Dyslexia.
Autism
At St Bartholomew's, we embrace diversity and are dedicated to ensuring that every child feels valued, understood, and supported in their learning journey. One of the ways we provide this support is by helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) thrive in our school community. Autism is a spectrum condition, which means it can affect children in different ways and to varying degrees. By understanding autism and working together, we can ensure that each child reaches their full potential.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a child thinks, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Autism is a spectrum, meaning that each child is unique and may experience different strengths and challenges.
Some children with autism might:
- Find it difficult to communicate or understand social cues, such as body language or facial expressions.
- Prefer routines and may feel unsettled when routines change unexpectedly.
- Have intense interests in specific subjects or activities.
- Find it challenging to manage sensory experiences, such as bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures.
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Struggle with transitions or changes in their environment, including moving from one activity to another.
It's important to remember that autism is not a condition that limits a child’s potential. Many children with autism have incredible talents, creativity, and unique perspectives. Our goal is to provide the right support so that each child can succeed in their own way.
Please see below to find some useful resources to support children with Autism.
ADHD
At St Bartholomew's, we believe that every child has unique strengths, and we are dedicated to supporting the individual needs of all students. One area where we provide extra understanding and care is in helping children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a condition that affects how some children focus, learn, and behave, but with the right support, children with ADHD can thrive in school and beyond.
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, stay organized, and control impulses. Children with ADHD may:
- Have difficulty staying focused on tasks or following instructions.
- Struggle with completing tasks or staying seated for long periods.
- Find it challenging to control their impulses, which might lead to acting without thinking.
- Be more active than their peers, having a lot of energy or difficulty sitting still.
Please see below to find some useful resources to support children with ADHD.
EBSA
Supporting Students through Challenging Times
At St Bartholomew's, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and confident in their learning environment. We understand that some children may experience difficulty attending school due to emotional challenges, a situation known as Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA). This is a real experience where anxiety, worry, or other emotional struggles make going to school feel overwhelming for some children.
Emotional-Based School Avoidance refers to when a child finds it hard to attend school due to feelings of fear, anxiety, or distress. This can happen for various reasons, including worries about separation from parents, social challenges, fear of specific situations (such as speaking in class), or even general anxiety about schoolwork.
Please see below to find some useful resources to support children experiencing EBSA.
IASK
Please upload IASK documents (attached).
IASK Local Offer.pdf
Transition Information for Parents
Useful Guides for Parents
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Supporting Children Going Back to School
Supporting Children to Return to Routine
Using Technology to Boost Reading Skills
What Parents Need to Know about Worry and Anxiety
Children's Therapies Services
Links to useful websites:
Parental Courses Please click the link which will take you to a very useful website, with parental courses for you to engage with.
SEND Local Offer If you would like to find out more about Kent's Local Offer, please click here.
Kent Parents and Carers Together (PACT) Please click the link to find out more information about how you can get involved with the Kent SEND parents and carers forum.
Understanding your child - Parenting Courses If you would like to find out more about how to support your child, please click the link.
IASK - Information for Parents and Carers
For more information about Mental Health and Wellbeing at St Bartholomew's, please click the link below:
Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
For more information about Equality at St Bartholomew's, please click the link below: