At John Blow Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child is valued, included and supported to achieve their full potential. We recognise that children learn in different ways and that some may require additional provision at different points in their school journey. Through high-quality teaching, strong partnerships with families and a graduated approach to support, we work collaboratively to identify and meet individual needs, enabling all pupils to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We are proud of our inclusive ethos and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, successful and a valued member of our school community.

On this page, you will find information about our SEND provision, the support available for pupils and families, key contacts, and links to relevant policies and guidance. If you have any concerns about your child's learning, development or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact our SEND team.

The Four Areas of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The SEND Code of Practice identifies four broad areas of need. Every child is unique, and some children may have needs across more than one area.

Communication and Interaction

Children with communication and interaction needs may find it difficult to understand language, express themselves, follow instructions or interact socially with others. They may need support with developing speech and language skills, building relationships or understanding social situations.

Examples may include:

• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

Cognition and Learning

Children with cognition and learning needs may learn at a slower pace than their peers or require additional support to develop key skills. They may need adaptations to teaching, targeted interventions or specialist support to help them make progress.

Examples may include:

• Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia
• Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Children with SEMH needs may experience difficulties managing their emotions, behaviour or relationships. These needs can affect a child's ability to engage with learning and participate fully in school life. Support focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-regulation and positive relationships.

Examples may include:

• Anxiety or emotional difficulties
• Attachment and relationship needs
• Behaviour that may be linked to underlying emotional or mental health needs

Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Some children have a disability or sensory impairment that requires additional support to access learning and school life. Schools work closely with families and specialist services to ensure that appropriate adjustments and resources are in place.

Examples may include:

• Hearing impairment
• Visual impairment
• Physical disabilities
• Medical conditions that impact learning or access to education

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Remember

Having SEND does not define a child. Every child has their own strengths, interests and talents. Our aim is to identify any barriers to learning at the earliest opportunity and provide the support needed to help every pupil feel happy, included and successful at John Blow Primary School.

Internal Alternative Provision (IAP)

At John Blow Primary School, we are committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and ready to succeed. To help achieve this, we operate an Internal Alternative Provision (IAP) which provides short-term, targeted support for pupils who may be experiencing difficulties with engagement, emotional regulation, wellbeing or attendance.

Our IAP follows a reset and reintegration model, offering pupils the opportunity to receive additional support in a nurturing environment while maintaining their connection to their class and the wider school community. The provision is tailored to individual needs and focuses on helping children develop the confidence, skills and strategies required to successfully access learning.

As part of this provision, we offer a Nurture Room transition programme for pupils who may find mornings particularly challenging. This provides a calm and supportive start to the school day, helping children regulate their emotions, build positive relationships and transition successfully into their classroom learning.

The provision is flexible and responsive, allowing support to be adapted as children's needs change over time. Our aim is always to help pupils overcome barriers, strengthen their wellbeing and re-engage positively with learning.

Further information about our Internal Alternative Provision, including how it operates and the support available, can be found in the policy below.

What should I do if I am concerned about my child?

If you have concerns about your child's learning, development, behaviour, communication, social skills or emotional wellbeing, we encourage you to speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance. Teachers know their pupils well and are often able to discuss any concerns, explain how your child is progressing and outline support that may already be in place within the classroom.

Where concerns continue, or additional support may be required, the class teacher will work with our SENDCo and senior leaders to consider the most appropriate next steps. This may include further observations, assessments, discussions with parents and carers, or the introduction of additional support through our graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do, Review.

We believe that parents and carers are experts on their own children and value the information and insights that families can provide. By working together, we can identify strengths, address barriers to learning and ensure that every child receives the support they need to succeed.

If you would like to discuss a concern, please contact your child's class teacher through the school office or arrange an appointment with our SENDCo.

Notts Help Yourself (Nottinghamshire's Local Offer)

John Blow Primary School signposts families to Notts Help Yourself, Nottinghamshire's Local Offer website, which provides a wide range of information, advice and services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as their families and carers.

The website brings together information about education, health, social care, leisure activities, financial support and local community services in one accessible place. It is designed to help families understand the support available and make informed decisions about meeting their child's needs.

Whether you are looking for advice about SEND, exploring assessment pathways, seeking support for your child's wellbeing, or trying to access services in the local area, Notts Help Yourself offers a wealth of practical information and guidance. We encourage all parents and carers to explore the website as part of our partnership approach to supporting children and families.

Find out more about Notts Help Yourself: https://www.yournottsdirectory.org.uk/

Bassetlaw Primary Behaviour Partnership (BPBP)

John Blow Primary School is a proud member of the Bassetlaw Primary Behaviour Partnership (BPBP), a collaboration of local schools that work together to promote positive behaviour, inclusion and emotional wellbeing for all children. Through our membership, we have access to specialist advice, training, outreach support and additional resources to help meet the needs of pupils who may be experiencing social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

The partnership enables schools to share expertise and develop effective strategies that support children in remaining successful within their mainstream school wherever possible. BPBP staff can work alongside school leaders, teachers, pupils and families to identify barriers to learning, provide tailored support and help ensure that children receive the right help at the right time.

By working closely with BPBP, we strengthen our commitment to inclusion and ensure that pupils with additional behavioural, emotional or social needs are fully supported to achieve, participate and thrive as valued members of our school community.

Find out more about BPBP: https://bpbp.org.uk/

 

We have included a range of documents and resources below to help you understand how we support pupils with SEND at John Blow Primary School. These documents provide useful information about our procedures, support pathways and provision. They are shared for information only and do not require completion by parents or carers.