Special Educational Needs Team

SEND at Ackworth Mill Dam 

Introduction 

We are committed to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive in our inclusive school community. Our approach reflects the school values of excellence, aspiration, independence and equality, ensuring pupils with SEND are supported through high-quality teaching, inclusive practice and personalised support. The SENCo works closely with staff, families and external professionals to ensure pupils receive the support they need to succeed.  

Contact and SENCo Information 

Caroline Coates – Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) 

If you would like to discuss your child’s needs or have any concerns, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting. 

If you have concerns about your child’s learning or development: 

1. Speak to your child’s class teacher
2. Contact the SENCo – Caroline Coates
3. Arrange a meeting to discuss support and next steps

Working together helps ensure pupils receive the right support as early as possible. 

Identifying SEND 

Pupils may be identified through teacher observations, assessment data, pupil progress meetings or discussions with parents. Where concerns arise, the class teacher works with the SENCo to review the child’s needs. 

Needs may fall within the four broad areas of SEND: 

• Communication and Interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Early identification and intervention are prioritised to support pupils effectively. 

How We Support Pupils with SEND 

The school follows Wakefield’s Graduated Approach: 

Assess – Identify barriers to learning. 

Plan – Agree strategies and targets with parents. 

Do – The class teacher implements the support with SENCo guidance. 

Review – Progress is reviewed regularly with staff and parents. 

Support may develop through the following stages: 

1. Initial concerns discussed with the class teacher
2. Additional classroom adaptations 
3. SENCo involvement
4. My Plan created (SEN Support)
5. External agency support
6. Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if required 

Support and Wellbeing in School 

Examples of support available include: 

• ELSA emotional literacy support
• WellComm speech and language programme 
• Speech and Language interventions
• Read Write Inc – Fresh Start phonics support
• Learning Mentor pastoral support
• Zones of Regulation used across the school
• One Life programme supporting wellbeing and emotional regulation 

These approaches support pupils’ emotional well-being and help them develop strategies to manage emotions and build positive relationships. 

Pupils are encouraged to share their views about what helps them to learn through My Plan reviews, discussions with staff and pupil voice activities. 

Working with Parents and External Agencies 

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers. Support includes: 

• My Plan review meetings
• SENCo meetings
• SEND coffee mornings
• Parent Carer Forum support 

Where appropriate, the school works with external professionals including: 

• Educational Psychologists
• WISENDSS
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Health professionals

Further Information 

If you would like further information about SEND provision at Ackworth Mill Dam, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the SENCo.