Special Educational Needs
The SEND Coordinator (SENDCO) is Maria Alexa (m.alexa@saracenshigh.org)
At Saracens High School we welcome and value all pupils. We strive to deliver a fully accessible social and academic curriculum. We continually adapt our systems and structures: curriculum, building and attitudes in order to make the school an inclusive, welcoming environment.
The Grow and Thrive team (SEND) meets the varied needs of the pupils within our school. The team is formed of the SENDCo, Ms Alexa and SEND teachers, Learning Support Assistants, Learning Mentors and School Counsellors. Our vision is based on ensuring all pupils have every possible opportunity to develop into the best that they can be, both academically and as young people in modern Britain.
We support the needs of our pupils in the following areas: Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Social, Emotional and Mental Health and Sensory and/or Physical Needs. Our pupils receive personalised interventions supporting Education Health and Care Plans and additional SEND needs.
We support the needs of our most vulnerable pupils and it is our responsibility to ensure that we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously since we are committed to keep all pupils safe.
Pupils receive specialised support in subject areas provided by Learning Support Assistants in class or in small groups. Support is tailored to meet the varied needs of the pupils. Weekly focused Subject Area meetings support the team with CPD to ensure they have the skills to support the pupils.
The literacy needs of the pupils are assessed periodically and pupils with low reading ages receive small group interventions to strengthen their phonic skills following the Fresh Start (Ruth Miskin) programme or reading comprehension interventions.
Mental health is an area that receives very careful attention. Starting in Year 7 can create a myriad of feelings. Pupils are supported by their Learning Coach who they see daily as well and a Learning Mentor. Small group work allows for a safe space to explore social skills and self-confidence. Furthermore, pupils who need more attention to explore deeper feelings have two days a week the possibility to see the school counsellor. Both pupils and families also are supported by external agencies including Barnet Integrated Clinical Services
The Saracens family also receives support, advice and training from external agencies such as CAMHS, Speech and Language Therapist, Educational Psychologist and Barnet Inclusion Advisory teachers.
We believe in working in partnership with families and thus communication with the Grow and Thrive Team is welcomed by phone, email or meeting in school. We value the input of families in order to support our pupils to achieve their best.
