Cygnus Academies Trust Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Our Commitments
Our Approach To SEND
The number of pupils with SEND in our schools is rising and ensuring our schools can meet their needs sustainably is a priority.
We have a Cygnus SEND network, led by our Trust SEND lead, which supports SEND and inclusion leaders.
Our SEND policies and systems are developed to help schools by focusing their capacity on individual pupils.
Our Approach To CPD
Cygnus training includes:
• Cygnus wide peer reviews and visits
• National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
• EEF effective SEND,
• Reviews of assessment for SEND,
• National College,
• External specialists including LA
• Regular school level training, coaching and mentoring
Note: This is not an exhaustive list
Our Parents and Carers
As parents and carers within the Cygnus Academies Trust Community, We commit to: Our Commitments
Partnership working with the school, open lines of communication and to attend meetings.
Trusting the sch ool's profession al advice and appr oach to meeting my child’s needs
Ensuring my child attends school regularly and participates in activities and strategies, which support their
Our Schools
As School Staff within the Cygnus Academies Trust Community, We commit to: Our Commitments
adipiscing elit,
Providing high quality teaching, learning and assessment to enable our children to make good progress from their starting points
Regularly review, monitor and adapt provision to ensure effective strategies are used to support our children.
Ensure we are inclusive, so all our children have access to as many activities as possible.
Our Pupils
As students within the Cygnus Academies Trust Community, We commit to: Our Commitments
adipiscing elit,
Following my school values
Asking for help from adults in my school when I need it
Having a go at all activities and learning, even when it seems hard
Our Trust
As the Cygnus Academies Trust, We commit to: Our Commitments
Ensuring that to our best endeavours, provision in our schools meet the needs of our children
Share best practice and training across our trust to support the highest quality of education
Meeting the statutory duties to help our children thrive and realise their ambition
What Our Commitments Look Like In Practice
For Our Parents and Carers
Communication
Responding to queries and requests from Parents and Carers within 5 working days.
Community Learning
A parent and carers forum where our community can attend workshops to develop their knowledge and share their experiences.
What Our Commitments Look Like In Practice
For Our Students
Emotional wellbeing
Ensure our schools promote resilience, inclusivity and wellbeing across all aspects of school life through their values.
Inclusive by design
A SENCO and teacher informed and developed assessment system, which demonstrates the progress our children make from their starting points.
What Our Commitments Look Like In Practice
For Our Schools
Training and Development
Ensuring our education support staff and teachers have appropriate CPD, which raises their awareness of SEND and the pedagogy to support them.
Collaboration
An Inclusion Network where practitioners across our organisation can share knowledge and information, as well as inform and develop trust wide initiatives and practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this helpful information before contacting the school
What is a SENCo?
A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is a teacher who helps students with special educational needs. They work with teachers and parents to make sure students get the support they need to learn effectively. SENCOs ensure schools are inclusive and everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
What is Flo?
A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is a person who helps families with any issues they might have. They work in our schools to support families, listen to their concerns, and connect them with services or resources. FLOs aim to strengthen relationships between families, schools, and communities for better support.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get extra help in school?
No. Our schools provide an extensive offer to all children
What help can my child access at school?
Each of our school websites has a page for SEND which outlines the offer available.
Does my child need a diagnosis before I can apply for Disability Living Allowance?
No. To claim DLA, you must
• Be claiming on behalf of a disabled person under the age of 16, or
• Be the parent or caregiver of a child under 16 who needs more care or supervision than other children of the same age without a disability or health condition and have had their extra care or mobility needs for at least 3 months, and is expected to have them for at least 6 months more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this helpful information before contacting the school
What is an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)?
An Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) is a special plan for students with complex needs. It outlines their educational, health, and social care needs, along with the support they require. EHCPs are designed to ensure students get the right help and support to thrive in school and beyond.
My child is on the SEN register, what does SEN support mean?
SEND support on a SEND register means special help for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It includes extra support in school, like small group lessons or speech therapy, tailored to their needs. SEND support aims to help students succeed in their learning and development.
What is High Needs Funding (HNF) and what does it provide?
High Needs Funding (HNF) on a SEND register provides extra money to support students with complex needs. It helps schools provide specialised resources, like additional staff or equipment, to meet students' needs effectively. HNF ensures that all students, regardless of their challenges, have the support they need to thrive in education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this helpful information before contacting the school
Will my child have a 1:1?
We support children on a pathway to independence by gradually helping them do things on their own. Instead of allocated 1:1 support, adults assist pupils as needed. This approach fosters self-reliance while providing necessary support when required, promoting independence and confidence in students' abilities to manage tasks autonomously.
Does my child need an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)?
Children need an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) if they have complex special educational needs that require extra support, which is above and beyond what our schools can offer. An EHCP outlines their needs and the support they should receive, ensuring they get the tailored assistance necessary for their learning, health, and social care requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this helpful information before contacting the school
I don't think my child will cope in secondary school, what do I do?
If you are worried about your child's transition to secondary school, you can talk to the class teacher. If your child has a EHCP the school's SENCO and/or FLO will have ongoing conversations with you from year 5 onwards regarding secondary applications and transition. They can discuss concerns, explore support options like extra transition sessions, and work with you and the secondary to create a plan ensuring your child's smooth adjustment and well-being in the new environment.
My child is not yet toilet trained can they start school?
If your child has an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) we will work with you to develop an intimate care plan. If your child does not have a significant SEND, please visit this NHS site for support : How to potty train - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
I’m worried my child has SEN, what do I do next?
We take a holistic approach when looking at individual children which combines information from home and school including conversations with class teachers teaching assistants, and any other professionals involved. We would also look at your child's attendance and their academic levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this helpful information before contacting the school
Does my child need a diagnosis to get extra help in school?
No. Our schools provide an extensive offer to all children
