Welcome to our SEND information page. Bottesford Schools Federation is committed to ensuring every pupil is safe, supported and able to learn. This page explains how we identify, support and work with families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across our federation.

Mrs Kirsty Yates is the Junior SENDCO (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator) and Miss Zoe Labourne is the federation inclusion leader and Infant SENDCO. The Governor responsible for SEND is Mrs Sarah Wheeler.

Our approach and values

At Bottesford Schools Federation we RISE together. Our RISE values — Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empowered — underpin everything we do for pupils with SEND. We believe in an inclusive, nurturing environment where all pupils are encouraged to do what’s right, help others and reach their best. Reading and active learning are central to our curriculum and used as a key route to improving access to learning for all pupils.

How we identify and assess need

• Quality first teaching and carefully planned adaptations are the first steps for every pupil.
• Teachers monitor progress closely and identify any pupils who are finding learning more difficult than their peers.
• Where needed, assessments are used to identify specific barriers to learning and to inform targeted support.
• Pupils with identified needs are reviewed regularly with parents and, where relevant, outside professionals.

Support we provide

We use a graduated approach so that additional help is provided according to need. Support may take place:

• In-class with adaptive teaching
• In small groups for targeted interventions
• One-to-one sessions, where appropriate

Examples of interventions and programmes we use

• Precision Teaching
• Daily Reading (targeted at the first 20% and spotlight readers)
• Read Write Inc 1:1 support
• Fresh start (Year 5 & 6)
• Speech and Language care plans
• Same-day maths intervention
• Wellbeing support such as Theraplay-informed practice, an emotional regulation programme or Gravity (With me in Mind)
• Identiplay
• PenPals handwriting intervention
• Sensory circuits

All groups and one-to-one sessions are led by trained class teachers or teaching assistants and follow the same curriculum progression, ensuring pupils remain linked to age-appropriate learning while receiving extra practice and scaffolding.

Specialist services and external expertise

When necessary, we work with external agencies to secure specialist advice and support. These may include:

• Autistic Spectrum Education Team (ASET)
• Educational Psychologist
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
• Hearing and Visually Impaired Services
• Emotional and Behavioural Support Service
• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
• School Nurse and Children & Families Support Services
• EWO (Educational Welfare Officer)

We involve parents and, where appropriate, the pupil in any decision to consult outside specialists and share advice with staff to improve classroom practice.

Involving parents and pupils

• We believe parents and pupils are essential partners in planning and reviewing provision.
• Parents are consulted about the support their child receives and are invited to termly review meetings.
• Pupils are encouraged to share their views about their learning, targets and what helps them to succeed.

Transition and preparing for the next stage

We make careful arrangements to support pupils as they move between phases of education (for example, from infant to junior school). Transition planning includes sharing information, visits and bespoke support for pupils who need it so that moves are smooth and confidence is maintained.

Data and accountability

• We monitor the progress and outcomes of pupils with SEND to ensure interventions are effective and to inform future planning.
• Our SENDCOs maintain records and liaise with the local authority as required.

Complaints and further support

If you have concerns about your child’s SEND provision:

• Please speak to the class teacher in the first instance.
• You can then contact the SENDCO or Inclusion Lead for further discussion and support.
• If you remain concerned, you have the right to refer the matter to the Executive Headteacher.
• Additional independent advice and support is available through SENDIASS.

Contact details

For information about SEND provision at Bottesford Schools Federation, please contact the SENDCO at either Bottesford Infant or Bottesford Junior School. 

Next steps for parents

• If you are worried about your child’s progress, contact your child’s class teacher or the SENDCO to arrange a meeting.
• Attend review meetings and share observations about your child’s strengths and needs.
• Ask about resources or strategies you can use at home to reinforce learning and wellbeing.

Local SEND Services

The following local agencies provide services which you may wish to access.

• North Lincolnshire Local Offer & SEND information.  The SEND Local Offer in North Lincolnshire aims to provide you with the information you may need or want to know. It shares information about resources, support, activities and events for North Lincolnshire children with special educational needs or disabilities.

• Ashby Children's Centre.  Anyone can access Ashby Children's Centre and it offers parenting support. Activities are inclusive to all children, including those who have a disability or additional needs; they are free of charge. There is also an on-site nursery at Ashby Children’s Centre which is open from 8am to 6pm.

• The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service. The Special Educational Needs and Disability, Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), formerly known as the Parent Partnership Service, provides a free, impartial and confidential service to parents and carers of children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) aged 0 - 25.Email: help@nlsendiass.org.uk

• Parent Forum. The Parent Involvement Partnership is a forum for the views of parents and carers of disabled children, those with special needs, young people and families. We do this by representing them in various focus groups and forums.

At Bottesford Schools Federation we are committed to an inclusive education where every pupil is respected, supported and empowered to strive for their best. Through strong collaboration between teachers, parents, pupils and specialist services, we work to ensure children with SEND access the curriculum, make progress and feel part of our school community.