“Leaders want all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well” (Ofsted, 2023)

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

At Wessex Gardens Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), receive exceptional care, support, and opportunities. In line with the SEND Code of Practice (2014), and following the London Borough of Barnet’s policy for inclusion, we ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their individual needs.

We believe that every teacher is responsible for the planning, teaching, and progress of children with SEND within their mainstream classes. Our approach ensures that all children, including those with SEND, are supported by an adapted and differentiated curriculum, carefully tailored to meet their developmental needs. Every child’s journey is underpinned by high expectations, as we provide the support necessary for them to thrive in both their academic and personal development.

Maple Provision Room

While the majority of SEND pupils are supported in mainstream classrooms, Wessex Gardens also has a dedicated Maple Provision Room, which allows our staff to cater to children with significant learning needs, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex learning difficulties. This provision offers tailored and specialised support, incorporating sensory and therapeutic input to create an environment where children can flourish. We are proud of our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing space where children with diverse needs can access personalised interventions that help them engage meaningfully with their learning.

Mainstream Classrooms

Within our mainstream classrooms, children with SEND receive individualised support through one-on-one, paired, or small-group instruction. This is facilitated by a differentiated curriculum and the implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and Individual Behaviour Plans (IBPs). These plans are regularly reviewed to track progress and assess the effectiveness of interventions. We work collaboratively with pupils, teachers, support staff, and parents to set personal targets, ensuring that each child is continually moving towards their full potential.

Professional Support and Collaboration

At Wessex Gardens, we work in close partnership with parents, carers, and external professionals to provide comprehensive, wraparound support for our pupils. We collaborate with specialised services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to ensure that our pupils have access to the highest quality care. Our staff participate in ongoing professional development to continually enhance their knowledge and expertise in various areas of SEND, ensuring consistency and informed practice across the school.

Inclusive Curriculum

Our inclusive curriculum at Wessex Gardens ensures that all pupils, regardless of their individual needs, are prepared for their next steps in education and life. We believe that every child, irrespective of need, should leave Wessex Gardens with strong emotional resilience, effective communication skills, and the ability to be independent learners. Our curriculum not only meets statutory requirements but also prioritises personal development, ensuring that pupils with SEND are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a changing world.

School Policies and Local Offer

Our school’s policies, which can be accessed via our website, reflect our unwavering commitment to inclusion, safety, and the well-being of every child. In alignment with Barnet’s Local Offer, we ensure that families are supported and informed throughout their child’s educational journey. The voices of our children with SEND are integral to our planning process, and we actively encourage their input in shaping their educational experiences.

Equal Opportunities

At Wessex Gardens Primary & Nursery School, we are dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion for all, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, or ability. Every child is entitled to equal access to the curriculum, which provides them with the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve. We strive to create a school environment that reflects the diversity of our local community and promotes tolerance, understanding, and well-being for all.

We are committed to challenging stereotypes, confronting biases, and presenting positive, diverse images and narratives within our curriculum. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and inclusivity, we ensure that every child feels valued and respected.

More Able Pupils

In addition to our SEND provision, Wessex Gardens is committed to meeting the needs of our more able pupils and those with particular talents, such as in art, music, or sport. We set high expectations for achievement and provide a rich, challenging curriculum that allows all children, including those with exceptional abilities, to thrive.

We recognise the importance of providing differentiated tasks, open-ended challenges, and personalised progression pathways to engage more able pupils. These opportunities are supported by specialist teaching, leadership roles, peer mentoring, and performances, allowing talented pupils to develop their skills further. Regular monitoring and discussions with the Inclusion Leader ensure that these pupils receive the appropriate support and challenge needed to reach their potential.

Opportunities provided at Wessex Gardens in 2024 – 2025

• Speech and Language therapy sessions for pupils
• Bounce Project (including a group specialised for SEND)
• New Provision Room (September 2024)
• Revamp of Sensory Room
• Chatty Parent Workshop promoting Oracy (Nursery, Reception and SEND pupils) (September 2024)
• Autism Awareness training for staff (November 2024)
• Adaptive Teaching training for staff (December 2024)
• New ISP Monitoring (September 2024)
• New provision mapping (September 2024)
• SEN Swimming
• Secondary SEND transfer access to transport (October 2024)
• Sensory Circuit
• Gross motor skills groups 
• SEND Athletic events
• Lego therapy training for support staff (November 2024)
• No Pens Day (Raising awareness about Speech and Language - November 2024)

Visit the Barnet Local Offer website to find information and support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and their families, from the Barnet area.