0151 477 8770
SEND Information
Mr A McVerry: Additional Needs Co-ordinator: A.McVerry@seaca.pfcmat.org
Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy SEND Information Report 2023-2024
The revised SEN Code of Practice (DfE, April 2014) states:
'The governing bodies of maintained schools and maintained nursery schools and the proprietors of academy schools must publish information on their websites about the implementation of the governing body's or the proprietor's policy for pupils with SEND.' (p 93)
This report is designed to be an easy to understand document which provides additional information to enable parents/carers and other interested parties to understand the academy's provision for our pupils. Please refer to the academy's SEND policy on our Policies page. If you cannot find the information you need please contact the academy on 0151 477 8770 or contact the SENCO directly at M.McVerry@seaca.pfcmat.org.
1. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy has an inclusive philosophy. You can attend Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy if you live in the area irrespective of any disability and/or special educational need. For young people who are from other areas and neighbouring Local Authorities an individual discussion is advised. Admission arrangements follow Knowsley LA Policy – individual cases are encouraged to arrange an individual meeting with SEND department staff by calling 0151 477 8770 or email M.McVerry@seaca.pfcmat.org. If your child holds and EHCP, admissions will be considered through the EHCP review process supported by Knowsley LA.
2. We aim for open and transparent communication and consultation with parents/carers and young people, as well as other professionals, throughout your association with Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy. We always prefer to meet and discuss things face-to-face. E-mail is also useful, as it allows for clear communication that can be referred back to if required. The department staff have a wide range of experience in working with and support others to manage special needs. To arrange a meeting please contact Miss J. Clarke.
3. All discussions and decisions involving the young people at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy will involve them directly. We will always engage the young people in the most appropriate manner, and respect their views on how they wish to participate.
4. We undertake a range of screening and assessments 'in-house' as part of our academy provision. We are more than happy to discuss these individually to ensure specific areas of need are assessed in line with our personalised approach to identification and support. Our work is always solution-focussed and outcome driven. Please contact us directly for specific information relating to individual needs. EHC transitions are being conducted in conjunction with Knowsley LA who can be contacted on 0151 443 5141.
5. Preparation for adulthood has always been a strong focus of the work done for all young people at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy. The academy has its own careers advisor, Ms V O'Callaghan, who supports all students with their choices and transition to college. She can be contacted at Vocallaghan@seaca.pfcmat.org.
6. All staff at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith are corporately responsible for the education, development and support of young people with SEND. Staff have had appropriate training and professional development relating to SEND, Quality First and Inclusive teaching. Information is provided to all staff via our SIMS system on individual needs and strategies to support SEND pupils.
7. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy is a fully accessible site for young people and adults who are wheelchair users and has facility for supporting personal care and medical needs.
8. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy operates a personalised approach to the curriculum for young people with SEND. As always, a personal discussion with regard to individual needs is recommended.
9. The SEND department is able to access to a range of specialists including Speech & Language, Physiotherapy, Educational Psychology, the Neurodevelopmental pathway and CAMHS. Staff have excellent links with the LA and other specialist providers.
The Local Offer can be found on the Knowsley Council website click here.
Discrimination & Inequality:
Equality Information and Objectives Policy and Procedure
At Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy we provide support in class, as part of normal day-to-day lessons. As an inclusive school where every pupil is valued, we want all pupils to take a full part in all lessons and in every aspect of school life alongside their peers. Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy is a fully accessible site for young people and adults who are wheelchair users and has facility for supporting personal care and medical needs. If discrimination or inequality relating with SEND arises, this is investigated and outcomes shared by Mr A McVerry, Assistant Headteacher - SENDCo working alongside our DSL and SLT team.
Accessibility Plan:
All students at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy have equal opportunities regardless of SEND. Reasonable adjustment is carried out to ensure that all students can participate in activities and outward bound trips. Inclusion is a focal point and every step is taken to make sure that every student is included in every aspect of school life. Risk assessments are undertaken for all school trips and individual risk assessments are taken out for pupils in conjunction with the parent, school nurse or outside agencies.
We are a mainstream secondary school with one main building across three floors. Each floor is connected by an accessible lift. All corridors and classroom are wheelchair friendly. There is potential forcongestion at lesson changeover in some areas so movement requires careful handling.
The school does not use height adjustable tables as a general rule. School has a range of different height tables and chairs to support access to resources. Adjustable foot rests are also available on a number of chairs upon request.
At Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy we use Lexonic which is an intervention programme that can assist reading along with Bedrock. Laptops are available on request for students experiencing difficulties with handwriting.
There are a number of families with children at the school whose first language is not English. School are able to transcribe letters from English to the preferred language if necessary. Arrangements can also be made upon request to have an interpreter present at meetings in school.
Coloured overlays are provided where appropriate as well as coloured paper. Once this support has been identified teachers are asked to encourage students to be responsible for their specific identified support and requirements.
Accessible changing and separate toilet facilities are available with a hoist.
Specialist supported SEND transport to school is available via the local authority.
A lift is available in order for students with a physical disability to access all levels and areas of school.
Accessible parking spaces are at the front and to the side of the building.
All transition is fully support by Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy. Students and families have the opportunities to visit school at their convenience and transitional visits begin during the Summer Term for students who we feel, through communication with families and primary schools, will needed extended support during the transition period.
A summer school is offered to help the transition between Primary and Secondary and prepares students by working with new staff and other pupils, as well as adapting to different approaches to discipline and learning.
As well as entering Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Academy, we also support all students when moving onto Post 16. All students are encouraged to attend College/Sixth Form open days. Throughout a student’s journey at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, visits to local College/Sixth Forms are planned to prepare for their transition onto Post 16. During the Summer Term of Year 11, students attend ‘taster days’ at their chosen provider and an exchange of information is shared, usually with the Post 16 Pastoral team. We also encourage providers to attend final EHC review to share and prepare any targets students with SEND will carry forward.
Parent Feedback:
We value your feedback on how we are doing to support needs of students at Saint Edmund Arrowsmith. Feel free to follow the links and share your views with ourselves:
Please click here to complete the SEACA Parental Questionnaire.
If you would like to have a discussion, or if you require any additional information, then please contact on one of the following:
Mr A McVerry: SENCO
A.McVerry@seaca.pfcmat.org.
01514778770
Complaints:
If you would like to have a discussion, or if you require any additional information or to raise a complaint, then please contact on one of the following:
Mr A McVerry: SENCO
A.McVerry@seaca.pfcmat.org.
01514778770
Alternatively, you may wish to speak with Mrs C McKenna: Acting Headteacher
C.McKenna@seaca.pfcmat.org
01514778770
Our complaints procedure can be found here: