Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
At St. Mary’s, our intention for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is that all children, irrespective of their need or disability, receive a high quality and ambitious education. We believe that ALL our pupils should be equipped with the tools they need to become independent, inquisitive learners who are able to solve problems and are equipped for the next stage of their education and beyond.
St. Mary’s is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils including those with special educational needs. There is a shared expectation that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, should be offered inclusive teaching, which will enable them to make the best possible progress in school and feel that they are a valued member of the wider school community. We believe that where best practice meets the needs of disadvantaged children and those with SEND, it is best practice for all. Through our curriculum, and supported by Catholic Social Teaching, we aim to nurture lifelong learners who are independent thinkers. We seek to equip each child with the knowledge and skills to understand and interact with their world.
Individual Education Plans
Once children are placed on the SEND Register, parents should be notified and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) identifying their area weakness put in place. The IEP should reflect the four-stage cycle of 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review'. Targets on the IEP must be SMART and give clear time scales. The IEP should be shared with parents at the first Parents Evening of the year and reviewed in December, April and the end of the year. At the end of the year review, targets should be written for the next class. There will be a two week ‘grace period’ in September for new teachers to amend any targets, if needed.
SEND Support Plans
At St Mary’s we use SEND Support Plans where we feel that a future EHCP may be needed. The Wiltshire SEND Support Plan is a document that can be used for children and young people with identified SEND, to plan outcome-focused and person-centred support, concentrating on individual needs and priorities. It has information about the child's needs and the support they are getting and should be written and reviewed with the parent carer and young person. It reflects the four-stage cycle of 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' and can help co-ordinate support if there are several professionals involved.
Education Healthcare Plans
Education Healthcare Plans (EHCP) are a legal document that support children with SEND. An EHCP sets out clearly the parent, child’s views and aspirations for the future. It includes information and advice from professionals from education, health or social care, who know or are working with the child. The targets from an EHCP can be used to write the child’s IEP which is shared with the parents and reviewed in December, April and the end of the year. An annual review will be held where a ‘Form for professionals as contribution towards the annual review’ needs to be completed by the class teacher.
SENCO: Ms Annie Costello - senco@sm.thedcet.com
SEND Information Report 2025-2026
What is our Accessibility Plan?
