Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Burnside Primary School, we are committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that enables all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), to achieve their best possible outcomes. We have high expectations for all pupils and ensure that SEND is not a barrier to learning, participation or achievement.

Our approach reflects our statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015), the Equality Act 2010, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions. We ensure that reasonable adjustments are made so that pupils with SEND are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to their peers.

Identification and Assessment of SEND

Burnside Primary School places a strong emphasis on the early identification and assessment of SEND. We recognise that children learn at different rates and in different ways. Class teachers are responsible and accountable for the progress and development of all pupils in their class, including those with SEND.

Where a pupil is identified as having SEND, the school adopts a graduated approach of:

• Assess

• Plan

• Do

• Review

This approach ensures that provision is carefully matched to need, regularly reviewed, and adapted in response to pupil progress and outcomes.

Provision and Support

Support for pupils with SEND is carefully planned and may include:

• High-quality, adaptive teaching within the classroom

• Targeted small-group interventions

• Individualised support programmes

• Reasonable adjustments to teaching, resources and learning environments

Where appropriate, the school works in partnership with external agencies, including Educational Psychologists, Behaviour Support Services, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and School Health Services, to ensure pupils receive specialist advice and support.

Areas of Need

Provision is tailored to meet needs across the four broad areas identified in the SEND Code of Practice:

• Communication and Interaction

• Cognition and Learning

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health

• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Working in Partnership with Parents and Pupils

Burnside Primary School values the importance of working collaboratively with parents and carers. We recognise parents as key partners and ensure they are involved in decision-making at every stage. Pupil views are also sought and valued, ensuring that children are supported to express their opinions and contribute to decisions about their learning.

The school’s SEND provision is overseen by Mrs Burnip, SENDCo, who holds responsibility for coordinating support, liaising with staff, parents and external professionals, and ensuring statutory requirements are met.

Monitoring, Review and Impact

SEND provision is regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure it has a positive impact on pupil outcomes, including progress, attainment, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing. Adjustments are made where necessary to ensure support remains effective and responsive to need.

The Local Offer

Burnside Primary School works in line with Northumberland County Council’s Local Offer, which sets out the services and support available for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND. The Local Offer aims to improve transparency, accessibility and choice for families and forms part of the SEND reforms under the Children and Families Act 2014.

Information about the Northumberland Local Offer is available via the Northumberland County Council website.

SEND Information Report

Our SEND Information Report provides detailed information about how Burnside Primary School identifies, assesses and supports pupils with SEND. This report is reviewed and updated annually in line with statutory requirements.

SEND Information Report 2025–26

Policies

The following policies are available on our website and reflect our commitment to inclusion and equality:

• SEND Policy

• Equality Statement

• Accessibility Policy and Plan

Parent and Carer Drop-In Sessions

We offer half-termly parent and carer drop-in sessions, usually online, providing an opportunity for informal discussion, advice and support. Sessions may be delivered individually or in groups, and occasionally alongside visiting professionals.

These sessions enable parents and carers to:

• Share concerns

• Ask questions

• Discuss strategies and support options
  without the need for a formal meeting.