SEND

The Sendco and Assistant Headteacher at Timbertree Academy is Mrs Marie Malcolm. As a Senior Leader she ensures that parents and carers are offered the best inclusive provision for our children and families. There is a strong team who are dedicated to tailoring learning to every child’s needs irrespective of gender, race or disability. The school has an Equality Policy and ensures that there is equality of opportunity and those children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities are not disadvantaged.

We strongly believe in helping every pupil reach their full potential.  Sometimes our children may need a little extra help and support to succeed in their education and social interactions. Positive relationships between adults and children are paramount. From the very beginning, our children learn that we are safe and trustworthy adults, who are reliable and approachable, who will listen and value their opinions and beliefs and remain consistent.

The staff in school support children with a variety of needs.  Staff may work in sessions on a 1:1 basis, with peer mentors or with small groups as well as during quality first teaching.  Children at SEN support will be placed on the SEN register with parental consent and consultation and will be part of an ongoing process called Assess-Plan-Do-Review.  This enables all people involved with children who have additional needs to set personal targets, monitor progress, review and plan next steps.

Our school can offer a variety of provisions including:

• Precision Teach
• Play therapy
• Bespoke timetables
• Bespoke 1:1 sessions
• Bespoke small group sessions
• Varied strategies to support children with ASD and Social Communication and Interaction needs
• Variety of strategies to support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
• Care plans
• Speech and Language programs
• Support for children with dyslexia and dyscalculia
• Fine and gross motor intervention and support

How Technology Supports Pupils with SEND

1. Personalised Learning

Adaptive Learning Software: Tools like Immersive Reader and dictation software help tailor learning experiences to individual needs, making content more accessible

Customizable Interfaces: Students can adjust text size, colour contrast, and screen brightness to suit their visual preferences.

2. Communication Aids

Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech: These tools assist students with communication difficulties by converting spoken words to text and vice versa

Eye-Gaze Technology: For pupils with severe motor impairments, eye-gaze technology enables communication and interaction with digital devices

3. Engagement and Interaction

Interactive Learning Tools: Apps and software that use gamification and interactive elements to make learning more engaging

3D Interactive Tours: Used to help students transition to new environments, reducing anxiety and improving familiarity.

4. Independent Study

Assistive Technology: Tools like Widget use symbols and pictures to support comprehension and independent learning

Guided Access: Features that help students with attention and sensory challenges stay focused on tasks by limiting device functionality

5. Group Learning

Collaborative Platforms: Technologies that facilitate group work and communication among students, fostering a sense of community and teamwork

6. Structured Learning

Visual Schedules and Timers: Apps that help students understand and manage their daily routines and tasks.

These technologies not only make learning more accessible but also empower students with SEND to achieve their full potential by providing tailored support and enhancing their educational experience.

The following strategies are some of the excellent examples of how we are using technology at Timbertree to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. 

1. Front Facing Method

Teacher Visibility: Ensuring the teacher is always facing the pupils, with the lesson content displayed on the teacher's iPad for easy manipulation and interaction.

2. Looping

Repeated Instruction: The explicit teaching model is on a continuous loop, allowing pupils to refer back to it as needed for reinforcement and better understanding.

3. Clicker 8 Programme

Assistive Software: This program supports writing and literacy by providing tools that help pupils construct sentences and stories, enhancing their learning experience.

4. Microsoft Lens and Immersive Reader

Text Accessibility: Using Microsoft Lens to take photos of text, which can then be played back using Immersive Reader. This helps pupils with reading difficulties by providing audio support and other accessibility features.

Join Us for the half termly SEND Coffee Mornings!

We invite you to join us each half term for our SEND Coffee Morning, where we discuss various aspects of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This event is open to all parents with children who have identified SEND needs.

Each session will feature a guest speaker and the SEND Governor will be in attendance to provide support and answer any questions you may have.

You can contact me in a variety of ways; through the school office, speak over the telephone, make an appointment, write to me or catch me when you see me around the school site. I shall endeavour to find time to listen to any worries or concerns as soon as possible.

Please contact Mrs Marie Malcolm our Inclusion/SEND leader on:

marie.malcolm@timbertreeacademy.org.uk

School office: 01384 567830