Hall Park Academy

Hall Park Academy is able to effectively meet the needs of pupils with autistic spectrum conditions; emotional and social needs; specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia); moderate learning difficulties. The needs of pupils with mild to moderate sensory needs (partially-sighted, hard of hearing) may also be accommodated.  Most areas of school are easily accessible for wheelchair users.

Pupils undertake CAT tests and reading tests on entry and these are updated annually to identify pupils working below national expectations.  Pupils are also regularly assessed by subject teachers and data is closely monitored. If you think that your child may have special educational needs or are concerned about your child’s progress then you should speak to your child’s tutor in the first instance.  If you continue to be concerned you may contact the school’s SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator).

The progress of all pupils is updated and monitored throughout the year by the classroom teacher.  In addition, the school’s SENCO is responsible for monitoring the progress of pupils on the SEND register and arranging additional support / advising on effective strategies where necessary.

Pupils with a statement of special educational need or EHCP will be invited to attend an annual review meeting to discuss their child’s progress.  All pupils on the SEND register will be monitored throughout the year and parents/guardians contacted if concerns are raised.

The needs of pupils with special educational needs are met within the classroom and the classroom teacher is responsible for effectively differentiating tasks to meet the needs of all pupils.  Some pupils will be allocated additional TA support to ensure that they make adequate progress.

All teachers are teachers of SEN and are responsible for adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils within their classes.  Classroom teachers are updated regularly on the needs of pupils by the school’s SENCO and supported as necessary.

Support is allocated according to each pupil’s need – this is decided by the school’s SENCO based on information passed on from the pupil’s primary school at the time of transition and  school assessments.

All out of school activities/school trips will be fully supported by the SEND team.  Teaching Assistants (TAs) will be allocated according to need to accompany pupils on such activities as necessary.

We have a dedicated SEND team enabling the school to provide a ‘safe haven’ during break and lunchtimes; a clear anti-bullying and behaviour policy; an inclusion team to provide mentoring and behaviour support where necessary; a thorough pastoral care system which uses a vertical tutor structure; a robust child protection system and access to outside support as necessary.

Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) – Mrs Teresa Pendleton

Email:  pendletont@hallparkacademy.org.uk Tel:  01773 786212

We a qualified team of teaching assistants, including 2 with higher level teaching assistant status, an assistant SENCO, and maths and dyslexia SEN specialists. 

The school is planning to begin specialist intervention classes in maths and English to support pupils entering the school at levels below the national average in these subjects. We have a regular attendance officer, a Teaching Assistant with maths specialism and can offer dyslexia testing.  Additionally, we have a qualified ASDAN teacher to deliver and assess those pupils following a foundation curriculum leading to an ASDAN qualification.

We have designated disabled parking areas, and most parts of the school are accessible for wheelchair users.  There are disabled toilet facilities.

If your child is identified as not making adequate or expected progress, the school will set up a meeting to discuss this with you in more detail.  The purpose of the meeting will be to:

• Listen to any concerns you may have.
• Plan any additional support your child may need.
• Discuss with you any referral to outside professionals to support your child’s learning.

Pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan will have an annual review meeting to enable parents and pupils to express their views about the nature and level of support given, progress made and to set targets for future progress.

All pupils on the SEND register will have a meeting with the school’s SENCO at least annually to discuss their needs/support given. In addition to this, we have a thorough pastoral system to support pupils with all aspects of their education.

The school’s SENCO, tutors and class teachers are regularly available to discuss any concerns, worries or complaints. We are committed to working together with parents/guardians and pupils and value parental feedback and/or guidance to help pupil progress and wellbeing.

The governing body involve other organisations and services in meeting the needs of SEN students through close communication and dialogue with the schools Senior Leadership Team (SLT) link. The SLT link meets at least annually with the link governor to discuss any issues.

At Hall Park Academy we strive to find ways to support parents/guardians in and out of school and investigate local organisations and seek support and guidance from outside support where appropriate.  The SEN team are available to discuss support available for your child.

The school’s transition team will visit the local feeder primary schools in advance of pupils joining the school (from year 5).  We have an open evening in the first term of each year and parents are encouraged to attend.  Pupils with SEND will be given extra visits to the school prior to joining and parents are welcome to visit and discuss any individual needs and concerns in detail with the school’s SENCO.  All information from primary school will be passed to the school’s SENCO in good time so that arrangements are put in place – this information will be shared with teaching staff at the beginning of the school year. 

All pupils will have an opportunity to undertake a work-experience placement in year 10 and will receive career guidance and information about local colleges.

Any further information can be obtained by contacting the school to discuss individual circumstances/needs and to arrange a meeting or visit if required.

Information about a wide range of provision and services available to families with young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities can be found aitin Nottinghamshire's SEND Local Offer:

www.nottinghamshire.sendlocaloffer.org.uk