Inclusion, SEND and SRP
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School we value and respect every child as an individual, whatever their needs. We are proud to maintain a fully inclusive approach to education and are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all pupils.
We continually strive to enhance our provision so that every child can thrive. For children with a range of disabilities or learning difficulties, we work closely with external professionals to ensure access to appropriate specialist support, resources and expertise. Most importantly, we work in partnership with parents and families to ensure children have full and equal access to every aspect of school life and learning.
We recognise that some pupils may require additional support or resources at different points during their primary school journey. We are committed to meeting these needs through early identification and timely intervention. Identification of need is supported by close consultation with parents, pre-school settings and previous schools.
Pupils are carefully monitored through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment
- Regular pupil progress meetings
- Provision mapping
- Personalised plans
Our aim is to ensure that every child feels supported, included and empowered to achieve their full potential.
More information on how we can support pupils can be found here:
Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is Miss Julie Avery and our SEND Governors are Miss Millis and Mr Holyhead.
If you have any concerns about your child, your child’s Class Teacher should always be your first point of contact. As they work with your child on a daily basis, they are best placed to discuss progress, wellbeing and provision. Our teachers are always happy to meet with parents and carers to talk through any questions or worries you may have.
Where appropriate, the Class Teacher will seek further guidance and support from our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo).
We believe that open communication and strong partnerships with families are key to ensuring every child feels supported and successful.
Please refer to the policies section of this website to access our Policy for Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and SEND Information Report.
Please use this link for information about the Kent SEND Local Offer:
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities
Specialist Resource Provision (SRP)
Our school includes a Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) for children with Physical Disabilities (PD). The SRP is a designated mainstream specialist provision with seven places available for pupils who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) identifying physical disability as their primary area of need.
All children within the SRP are members of a mainstream class and are fully included in the life of the school. They learn alongside their peers and take part in all aspects of school life, including playtimes, lunchtimes, trips, and special events.
Support is carefully tailored to meet each child’s individual needs. Teaching, targeted interventions, and physiotherapy programmes may take place:
- Within the classroom
- In a smaller learning space
- In our dedicated therapy room
Our aim is to provide personalised support while maintaining a strong sense of belonging within the wider school community.
We are proud to offer high-quality facilities designed to support pupils with physical disabilities, including:
- Purpose-built care suites
- A sensory area
- A dedicated therapy room
- Full disabled access throughout the school
As an inclusive school, we ensure that all pupils can access the full curriculum and wider opportunities. Children in the SRP are welcome to attend our:
- Beehive Breakfast Club
- After-School Club
- Holiday Club provision
We are committed to creating an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The Kent County Council website provides further information on SRP offers at:
Useful Links:
IASK (https://www.iask.org.uk/)
Neuroinclusive Education Network (previously Autism Education Trust) https://www.nen.org.uk/
Children’s Therapies – The Pod (https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/childrens-therapies-the-pod/)
This website includes information about: Neurodivergence, Occupational therapy, Speech and language therapy and Physiotherapy
We work with the Essex Outdoor Mersea Learning Centre for our Year 6 Residential. The centre provides a range of activities, from caving to canoeing to sailing and climbing. The centre is fully inclusive for our children, with adapted facilities so that all can take part. The centre also runs holiday camps for families.
