A guide to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for Parents and Carers

(This information is also available to download – see 'A Guide to SEND for Parents and Carers' link below. The leaflet can also be provided in other languages. Please contact the SEND team to make a request send@sacredheart.merton.sch.uk 

Our Vision

At Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, we believe every pupil is unique and deserves the chance to succeed. We understand some children may need extra support to achieve their full potential, and our Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision is here to help. Together with you, our aim is to create a happy, safe and inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive.

What is SEN?

A pupil has Special Educational Needs (SEN) if they need extra support to make progress compared to their peers. SEN can relate to areas such as:

• Communication and Interaction (eg, speech difficulties, autism)
• Cognition and Learning (eg, dyslexia, dyscalculia, developmental delay)
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (eg, anxiety, ADHD)
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs (eg, vision/hearing impairments, mobility challenges)

SEN vs Disability

SEN relates to extra support for learning, while disability affects day-to-day activities. A child can have one, both, or neither.

How do we identify SEN?

We identify needs through:

• Observations by teachers
• Classroom assessments and screenings
• Discussions with parents and carers
• Discussions with pupils
• Feedback from external specialists

If needed, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) will work with parents to create a plan of action.

The Graduated Response

When a pupil needs extra support, Sacred Heart follows the graduated response, a step-by-step process to ensure your child receives the right support:

1. Assess – Understand your child’s needs.

2. Plan – Set clear targets and strategies.

3. Do – Put the plan into action.

4. Review – Regularly check progress and adjust as needed.

SEN Support in School

Ordinarily Available Provision

All schools provide support to help every child learn – this is called ordinarily available provision. Examples of strategies:

• Adapted lessons and learning resources
• Extra adult support
• Visual aids and assistive tools

SEN Support

If additional help is needed, children may be placed on the SEN register (an in-school system used to track pupils who have been identified as needing extra support) and if so, will receive tailored support. This support is reviewed regularly to ensure it is working.

Pupil Profiles

A Pupil Profile, drafted by the class teacher, outlines the child’s strengths, interests and areas of need. The pupil profile identifies effective strategies to support their learning and includes both pupil and parent views. Targets are reviewed termly by the class teacher, with support from the SENDCo.

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have an IEP. You will receive further information about this if it applies to your child.

Parental Involvement and Communication

Every child develops at their own pace. Sometimes, parents may notice things that suggest their child could benefit from extra support, such as difficulties with learning, communication, attention, emotions, friendships, or sensory needs. Noticing these doesn’t necessarily mean a child has SEND, but sharing any concerns with school helps us work together to support your child. Open communication between parents, teachers and the SENDCo is key to supporting your child.

If you have concerns about your child’s progress, start by speaking with the class teacher. If needed, the class teacher may refer to the SENDCo or Phase Lead for further advice. Class teacher and Phase Lead email addresses can be found on the school website. We offer virtual meetings if you are unable to come to school in person.

Pupil Involvement

We involve children in setting their targets and reflecting on their progress. This builds confidence and ownership of their learning.

Useful Contacts and Resources

• Merton Information, Advice and Support Service (MIASS)
• Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
• Speech and Language UK
• National Autistic Society
• Dyslexia support
• National Sleep helpline
• Young Minds
• CAMHs
• Education Wellbeing Service
• ADHD UK: adhduk.co.uk
• ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity https://eric.org.uk/about/
• Your GP
• For more information, please contact the SENDCo or visit our school website.