Introduction to Inclusion

At Hearsall Academy we believe in the individual.  All children are valued for their unique contribution to a whole school ethos of inclusion.    Alongside the teaching and learning of academic skills required for adult life, we work hard to ensure everyone has opportunity to discover their own strengths and develop these to feel successful and fulfilled.

“Everyone is a genius. But of you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree; it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”  Albert Einstein

Children need to try new and exciting opportunities in order to learn about themselves and discover interests and talents.  We are always looking for new innovative ideas to excite children. 

Trips out of school are an important aspect of developing the whole child.  We endeavour to give every child the opportunity to join the Year 6 residential to Dol-y-moch.  Here children often experience time away from the family home for the first time. They try different outdoor challenges like orienteering, rock climbing and kayaking.  We try to remove all barriers and obstacles to attending this trip, whether it is money, family circumstances or a physical disability.  This has made a huge impact to a great many of children who have been able to articulate just how important this holiday was to them at a crucial time of their development particularly independence.

We also have an extensive variety of clubs where children can try new interests. 

Along with developing the whole child we are very mindful that children need to gain certain key skills to give them the best opportunities in life.  We are committed to children reaching their academic potential.  

Introduction to SEND

At Hearsall Community Academy we believe that everyone can reach their true potential. All children are valued for their unique contribution to a whole school ethos of inclusion. Alongside the teaching and learning of academic skills required for adult life, we work hard to ensure everyone has opportunity to discover their own strengths and develop these to feel successful and fulfilled. 

Children need to try new and exciting opportunities in order to learn about themselves and discover interests and talents. We are always looking for new innovative ideas to excite children.

Trips out of school are an important aspect of developing the whole child. We endeavour to give every child the opportunity to join the Year 5 residential to Plas Dol-y-Moch and the Year 6 residential to Skern. Here, children often experience time away from the family home for the first time. They try different outdoor challenges like orienteering, rock climbing and kayaking. We try to remove all barriers and obstacles to attending this trip, whether it is money, family circumstances or a physical disability. This has made a huge impact to a great many of children who have been able to articulate just how important this holiday was to them at a crucial time of their development particularly independence.

We also have an extensive variety of clubs where children can try new interests and develop skills outside of classroom learning.

Along with developing the whole child we are very mindful that children need to gain certain key skills to give them the best opportunities in life. We are committed to children reaching their academic potential.

Not every child finds learning easy all the time. At Hearsall Community Academy we understand that effective provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs is vital to ensure all children achieve and reach their full academic potential. The SEN Code of Practice (2014) describes a child or young person as having SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. A person has a learning difficulty if he or she;

*has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or

*has a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind

generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.

This provision is defined as any education or training provision which is additional to or different from that generally made for other of the same age in mainstream schools, or Post-16 institutions in England (C&F 2014 20)

The persons responsible for SEND at Hearsall are:

• Head of Education, Primary – Mr Rob Darling

• Headteacher – Mrs. Claire Jones

• MAT Trust SEND Lead – Mrs Vicky Prudham

• Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator- Ms Shannon Barnes

• Inclusion Governor – Damien Randall

• SEND TA – Mrs Brenda Pleasance

• All Teaching staff, in their provision for all children

The Inspire Education Trust has developed an SEND information report to help parents understand how we support children with SEND. This report forms the “School Offer” which is part of the Coventry Local offer for Special Educational Needs (SEN).  Click the link for more information:  Coventry’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Local Offer – Coventry City Council

Here at Hearsall we know the best possible outcomes for children are achieved when everyone works together. The partnership between school and parents is very important to ensure children reach their potential. We have collaborated in the production of this offer and we are also keen to continue to get parental feedback.

At Hearsall, this is how we view SEND:

We all have our own house to build.  This is a huge challenge without the right tools and if you haven’t been shown how to do it.  Sometimes you need others to show a new skill such as an electrician to show you how to make your house shine.  You need the right tools from the right person to achieve each step.

Arrangements for handling complaints

In our Inspire Schools, we aim to provide the right support each child needs. We work with parents/carers and professional agencies to ensure the right provision and support is provided for children with additional needs.

Where parents have concerns about our school’s SEND provision, they should first raise their concerns informally with the class teacher and/or SENDCO. We will try to resolve the complaint informally in the first instance. If this does

not resolve their concerns, parents can submit their complaint formally. Formal complaints about SEND provision in our school should be made to the SENCO/headteacher in the first instance. They will be handled in line with

The Trust’s complaints policy:

If the parent or carer is not satisfied with the school’s response, they can escalate the complaint. In some circumstances, this right also applies to the pupil themselves.  To see a full explanation of suitable avenues for complaint, see pages 246 and 247 of the SEN Code of Practice. 

To find out about disagreement resolution and mediation services in our local area, please visit the Coventry Local Authority complaints department: Comments, compliments and complaints – Coventry City Council 

You can request mediation by contacting Coventry Local authority SEND department: Coventry Family Hubs (coventryfamilies.co.uk)

Parents can also contact SENDIASS who can also offer support and advice: https://www.covsendiass.co.uk/