How we support children/young people with SEN starting at our school
Referrals to the school come through SEN Casework at Durham Education. This is the only route. Once a referral has been received, if we have a space we will invite the pupil and their parents/carers into school for a visit. This is arranged by our Transition Coordinator, Michael Forster. At the end of the visit a decision will usually be made regarding whether the school will offer a place to the pupil or not. If the pupil is transferring from another provision mid-term there may be a follow up meeting but we try to admit as quickly as possible. If the referral is for a Y6/7 transfer we organise a number of familiarity visits in the summer term so that pupils who are moving to us can become familiar with the school, the staff and each other.
How we support children/young people with SEN leaving our school
From Year8 onwards, Michael Forster (Transition Coordinator) attends Annual Reviews to begin planning the post16 transition for pupils. As they move through the school they have more and more access to the Transition Coordinator culminating in Y11 when preferred destinations are discussed and providers visited. Our aim is for every pupil to have a suitable post16 destination arranged before they leave the school in June. Where possible we seek to organise this well in advance of examinations to illustrate the accreditation requirements to pupils. Once a Y11 has left the school they can contact the Transition Coordinator at any point for support and guidance. Our aim is to maintain contact with past pupils where possible and appropriate.