Special Educational Needs
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At Springwood Heath Primary School, we are proud to be an inclusive school that values and nurtures the unique potential of every child. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), have access to a high-quality education that meets their individual needs.
The Liverpool Graduated Approach
Springwood Heath follows the Liverpool Graduated Approach in every class, as part of our commitment to delivering a universal offer of first-class teaching. This structured, step-by-step model helps teachers identify and support pupils’ needs at the earliest opportunity.
All of our teaching staff are trained to adapt their practice to meet a wide range of learning needs. These adaptations may include changes to classroom layout, differentiated tasks, additional visual support, or use of assistive technology—always informed by the four stages of the Graduated Approach: Assess, Plan, Do, Review.
Our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) works closely with class teachers to guide and support this process. If concerns about a child’s progress or development arise, the SENCo will meet with both staff and parents to agree next steps and offer tailored support.
SENCo: Claire Yates
Contact: via school office 0151 427 7759
A Curriculum That Supports Every Learner
We understand that a one-size-fits-all curriculum does not suit every child. That’s why we follow three distinct but interconnected curriculums at Springwood Heath:
- Formal Curriculum – for our mainstream classes, following the National Curriculum and adapted to ensure access for all.
- Semi-Formal Curriculum – based on the Equals published curriculum and enhanced by our own creative and thematic approaches, designed for children who benefit from a more practical, skills-based approach to learning.
- Pre-Formal and Pre-Formal Plus Curriculum – a highly individualised curriculum focusing on communication, sensory exploration, physical development, and emotional regulation, for learners with complex needs.
Communication underpins everything we do across all our SEND provisions. We understand the vital role that communication plays in learning and life, and we prioritise building strong communication skills in every child.
Interventions and External Support
To support our children’s needs, we deliver a range of targeted interventions, including:
- Bucket Time
- Communication groups
- Individual and small group learning support sessions
We also work in partnership with a wide range of external professionals, including:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational and Physiotherapists.
- Specialist teachers
- Sensory support services
- Community Nurses
These partnerships help us offer a joined-up, holistic approach to meeting each child’s needs, ensuring they are supported not just academically, but emotionally and physically too.
Working Together
We believe that parental partnership and communication are key to a successful SEND provision. We keep families informed at every step and ensure that they are part of the decision-making process. Regular reviews, open communication, and a collaborative ethos lie at the heart of our SEND support.
Parent consent form
Please click here to download a Parent Concern Form.
Complete this form if you have any concerns about your child’s learning abilities. Please email the completed form to the school’s SENCO, Mrs Claire Yates
Alternatively you can print the form and hand it in to the school office.
Additional Information
For further information, please see the Liverpool SEND Local Offer:
SEND Information Report
At Springwood Heath Primary School, we are proud to be an inclusive school that values and nurtures the unique potential of every child.
This report explains how we support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and meets the requirements of the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
Last updated: September 2025
Next review: September 2026
Types of SEND we support
We support pupils across the four broad areas of need:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and/or Physical Needs
We also provide support for pupils with complex needs through our Enhanced Resource Provision (ERP).
How we identify SEND
We identify SEND through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment
- Termly progress monitoring
- Standardised assessments and screening tools
- Parent or staff concerns
- Information from external professionals
We use a graduated approach:
Assess → Plan → Do → Review
How we assess and review progress
Progress is monitored by:
- Termly Learning Plan reviews
- Ongoing assessment by class teachers
- Monitoring by the SENCo and leadership team
- Assessment against EHCP outcomes
Parents and pupils are actively involved in all review processes.
How we support pupils with SEND
Support includes:
- High-quality adaptive teaching
- Small group and individual interventions
- Personalised learning programmes
- Specialist resources and equipment
- Access to different curriculum pathways:
- Formal curriculum
- Semi-formal curriculum
- Pre-formal curriculum
How we adapt teaching and the curriculum
Teachers support pupils by:
- Differentiating learning activities
- Using visual aids and assistive technology
- Adjusting classroom environments
- Providing targeted support
Our curriculum is flexible and designed to meet a wide range of needs.
How we involve parents
We work in partnership with parents by:
- Holding regular review meetings
- Sharing Learning Plans
- Encouraging parent contributions
- Providing guidance for support at home
Parents are valued as key partners in their child’s education.
How we involve pupils
Pupils are supported to:
- Contribute to their Learning Plans
- Share their views in meetings
- Make choices about their learning
- Participate fully in school life
We ensure all pupils have a voice.
Transitions
We support pupils at key transition points by:
- Sharing detailed information with new teachers and schools
- Supporting visits and transition activities
- Working closely with receiving schools
External agencies and support
We work with a range of external professionals, including:
- SENNIS
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational and Physiotherapy services
- Educational Psychologists
- CAMHS
- Sensory Support Services
Staff expertise and training
- The SENCo and SEND Team lead SEND provision
- Staff receive ongoing training and development
- Teachers are supported to adapt teaching for all pupils
- External specialists provide additional training where needed
Complaints
If you have concerns about SEND provision:
- Speak to your child’s class teacher
- Contact the SENCo or Headteacher
Further information is available in the school’s Complaints Policy.
Local Offer
For more information about SEND services in the local area:
👉 https://fsd.liverpool.gov.uk/kb5/liverpool/fsd/localoffer.page
SENCo contact details
SENCo: Mrs Claire Yates
Contact: via the school office (0151 [add number])
Inclusion and accessibility
At Springwood Heath, we ensure that all pupils:
- Access a broad and balanced curriculum
- Participate fully in school life
- Receive appropriate support to achieve their potential
We are committed to inclusion, equality and high expectations for all learners.