At St Francis of Assisi Catholic we believe that each child has individual and unique needs. We ensure that all children in our school have full and equal access to every facet of school life.
However, we recognise that some children require more support than others to learn in school and we acknowledge that a significant proportion of children will have special educational needs (SEND) at some time in their school career. Many of these children may require help throughout their time in school, while others may need a little extra support for a short period to help them overcome more temporary needs.
At St Francis of Assisi we welcome children with special educational needs. Children with special educational needs are assisted and supported by experienced and skilled teaching and non-teaching staff. This provision is regularly monitored and reviewed by the Headteacher and Governors.
We work in close partnership and in a spirit of co-operation with the children’s families, all relevant professionals / agencies both before the child joins our community and all the time that the child is with us.
Rachel Bowen is our SENDCo. She is responsible for co-ordinating the provision for all SEND pupils at St Francis and works closely with families and the class teachers. Amelia Mendham is the Assistant SENDCo.
Melanie Betts is our Speech and Language lead teacher. A team of trained Speech and Language practitioners support her and work with children who have difficulties with use and understanding of language.
We have a team of trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) who provide emotional and social skills support when our children need it.
Rowena Cove is our Parent Support Adviser. She works for The Benjamin Foundation and is in school every Wednesday. She can be contacted through the school office.
In the first instance, please contact your child’s class teacher if you have a concern about your child’s special needs or if you are concerned that your child may have an additional need.
Norfolk SENDIASS are a small team, with trained volunteers throughout the county. They provide free and impartial information, advice and support about special educational needs & disabilities (SEND) for children, young people, parents and carers.
norfolksendiass@norfolk.gov.uk
For more info about our SEND provision, please click on the following links:
