Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)

 

Our SEND Vision

At St Matthew's, we value all pupils equally and recognise that every child is unique and special. We strive to ensure that all children develop their skills and make good progress throughout their time here. Our diverse and inclusive school is a place where each individual’s achievements are celebrated and children are supported and encouraged to realise their full potential. We aim to be a school where everyone feels fully included, valued, happy and excited about learning. 

As a school, we are committed to ensuring all children receive:

  • high quality teaching alongside their peers 
  • access to a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum
  • full inclusion in all aspects of school life
  • individualised provision and/or extra adult support when needed in order to meet individual needs

We recognise the importance of not only supporting children’s academic progress, but also developing their emotional wellbeing, social skills and life skills in order to help them to become confident, enthusiastic and increasingly independent learners. We ensure that parents are fully informed of their child's progress at regular points throughout the year, and work alongside the Local Authority, external agencies and health professionals to provide the most effective SEND provision for pupils in our care.

The SEND Information Report and SEND Policy below will give you more detailed information about SEND provision in our school. If you wish to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me: 

 

 

Cognition and learning

Pupils with learning difficulties usually learn at a slower pace than their peers.
A wide range of needs are grouped in this area, including:

  • Specific learning difficulties, which impact 1 or more specific aspects of learning, such as: dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia
  • Moderate learning difficulties
  • Severe learning difficulties

Profound and multiple learning difficulties, which is where pupils are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment

  • Powerpoints to use a pastel background
  • Text on screen and printed to be in Century gothic (where possible)
  • 5 point lessons used to improve memory
  • Key information to be given to prevent cognitive overload
  • Adaptive teaching including resources
  • Intervention support
  • Use of recommended strategies from external agencies
  • Bespoke curriculum
  • Use of technology, if appropriate
  • Referral to external agencies  
  • Follow the Bolton SEND Handbook Plan-Do-Assess-Review pg 43

 

Communication and interaction

Pupils with needs in this area have difficulty communicating with others. They may have difficulty understanding what is being said to them, have trouble expressing themselves, or do not understand or use the social rules of communication.

  • Pupils who are on the autism spectrum often have needs that fall in this category.
  • Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) referrals
  • Implementation of SALT programmes in school
  • Interventions including EAL intervention
  • Picture Exchange Cards (PECS)
  • Communication boards
  • Signing and gesture
  • Body language
  • Facial expressions
  • Vocalisations
  • Written words
  • Referrals to external agencies
  • Follow the Bolton SEND Handbook Plan-Do-Assess-Review  pg 46 / 56

 

 

Social, emotional and mental health

These needs may reflect a wide range of underlying difficulties or disorders. Pupils may have:

  • Mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression or an eating disorder
  • Attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder or attachment disorder
  • Suffered adverse childhood experiences

These needs can manifest in many ways, for example as challenging, disruptive or disturbing behaviour, or by the pupil becoming withdrawn or isolated.

  • Dedicated Pastoral team to support pupils
  • Close documentation on CPOM’s
  • Early Help’s to work with the family
  • Nurture sessions in school
  • De-escalation plans
  • Bolton Behaviour Support
  • Commando Joe’s
  • Bright Leaders
  • Sensory toys/fidget toys
  • Referrals to external agencies
  • Follow the Bolton SEND Handbook Plan-Do-Assess-Review  pg 61

Sensory and/or physical

Pupils with these needs have a disability that hinders them from accessing the educational facilities generally provided.

Pupils may have:

  • A sensory impairment such as vision impairment, hearing impairment or multi-sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment

These pupils may need ongoing additional support and equipment to access all the opportunities available to their peers.

  • An inclusive and accessible environment
  • Adaptations and resources based on individual needs
  • Intimate care
  • Toileting support plans
  • PEP’s / Risk assessments
  • Referral to external agencies
  • Follow the Bolton SEND Handbook Plan-Do-Assess-Review  pg 71+

Mrs E Stryker: SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)

Mrs Stryker is a Qualified Teacher and holds the NASENCO Award. 

Please call the office on: 01204 333005 

SEND Policy 2024 - 2025 is currently under review.

SEND Information Report 2024-2025 is currently under review.

SEND Documents

Please click here to access the SEND Code of Practice.

Please click here to access the Bolton Local Offer.

Bolton Information and Advisory Service SEND is a service that can support parents and carers. Please click here to find out more.

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