SEND
How our curriculum is adapted for SEND
At St Meriadoc Juniors, we are always thinking about how we can adapt our curriculum to make it accessible to all pupils within the school with a focus on pupils with SEND. As a result of this, teaching and learning may need to be adapted to suit the needs of individual pupils as well as the teaching approaches and provision in order for them to access their education. Teachers take this into consideration when planning all lessons throughout the curriculum and adapt provision where necessary to support individuals or groups of pupils as well as focussing on quality first teaching. We aim to provide a variety of learning activities to support the diverse range of needs within our pupils to help them to learn in ways that suit them. Engaging in different types of activity, such as problem solving, discussion, hands-on exercises and presentations helps to ensure that pupils will each experience learning opportunities that support their particular ways of learning. We understand that some pupils with SEND will always find particular learning activities difficult therefore we present the same content/teaching point in two or three different ways, for example, using text, visual images, and sound; offer clear examples in different ways; use narrative and story; use games; offer collaborative learning opportunities; use demonstrations which allow pupils to watch and observe; allow pupils opportunities to create, experiment and ‘have a go’; communicate key points as clearly as possible using text, visuals as well as the teacher’s voice; offer suggestions for follow up learning for those who learn more slowly over time.
Useful SEND Websites
www.ipsea.org.uk – A useful site for free, legally based Special Education advice
www.autism.org.uk – The National Autistic Society website, the main UK charity for supporting people with ASD and their families (contains lots of useful advice and resources)
www.attentionautism.com – For more information on Attention Autism and how you can support your child to develop attention and turn-taking skills
www.widgit.com/resources - Symbolled resources for different topics and areas of life, including resources for fire safety and about visiting the doctors/dentists
www.special-needs-kids.co.uk – An information directory for parents and carers
www.iassnetwork.co.uk – Advice and support for parents of children with SEN
www.autismuk.com – Information on Autism with advice and support.
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk – Advice and support, including booklets to help with independent toileting, sleeping and managing behaviour
www.autismspeaks.org – A comprehensive site, with a useful resource library
www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html - A useful set of social stories to share with children, covering topics ranging from coping with a new baby in the family to getting a haircut to making friends. The National Autistic Society website also provides guidance on writing your own personalised social stories
Useful, fun websites with highly visual games for using with your children to consolidate early skills: