Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)

It is our job to see that all pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND:

  • acquire the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life
  • make progress, in that they know more, remember more and are able to do more. They are learning what is intended in the curriculum
  • produce work of high quality
  • achieve well in national tests and examinations, where relevant
  • are being prepared for their next stage of education, training or employment at each stage of their learning, including whether pupils in sixth form are ready for the next stage and are going on to appropriate, high-quality destinations
  • are able to read to an age-appropriate level and fluency (if not, they will be incapable of accessing the rest of the curriculum, and they will fall rapidly behind their peers)

We set high standards in learning and teaching that enable children to always improve themselves by acquiring new skills and knowledge. We operate a policy of inclusion, recognising that all children are entitled to an education that supports them in making progress in their learning.  Admission of children with special needs and disabilities is considered in line with our Admissions policy, which relates equally to all children.  We work with parents and carers to ensure the appropriate placement of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

As our class sizes are relatively small, the children work within one classroom for three years in Key Stage 1 and two years at Key Stage 2. This allows the staff to really get to know the children and their families and in doing so we find out how every child learns and what their strengths and particular needs are. We are an approachable staff and are often talk to parents both before and after the school day.

The SENco at Powerstock is:  Mrs Angela Oxenbury

Special educational needs and provision broadly fall into 4 main areas.

  1. Communication and interaction
  2. Cognition and learning
  3. Social, emotional, and mental health
  4. Sensory and/or physical needs

We have a dedicated SENCo, who is also the Key Stage One teacher and we aim to identify and support children with special needs early on in their school life.

We believe that all children are entitled to an education that enables them to:-

  • Achieve their best
  • Become confident and independent individuals
  • Make a successful transition to secondary school and then into adult life

At Powerstock school great care is taken to identify and support children who have difficulties in their learning, interactions, or behaviour.

Click here for more information from Dorset Council to help your child in school