Upperwood
Academy

SEND

Welcome to our Special Educational Needs and  Disability (SEND) information page.

 

Upperwood is an inclusive school and believes that all children should be valued and treated with respect. We endeavor to ensure that the provision for all pupils is of the highest possible standard. We are committed to narrowing the attainment gap between children with SEND and their non - SEND peers and also those who are vulnerable at any stage of their educational life. We want children to do their best, achieve, and be confident in their lives so they are prepared to move to their next stage in education. The school works with due regard to the SEN Code of Practice (2014) and the Equality Act (2010)

Our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Officer) is Mrs K. Hirst.
You are able to contact her at school on:
Telephone: 01226 754336
or
e-mail: k.hirst@upperwoodacademy.com

For all policies re: Safeguarding children please follow this link to the Barnsley Safeguarding Website.

For Barnsley's local SEND services please click here 

 

Mrs Hirst is Assistant Principal and is an experienced SENDCo. She has worked with pupils with SEND at Upperwood for many years. She coordinates provision for SEND in school and for those pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. She is also the designated teacher for Looked After Children in school. 

Mrs Merrills works alongside Mrs Hirst supporting families and pupils with SEND. She has experience with Early Help and liaises regularly with universal services. She also offers pastoral support to individual pupils when they need it. 

Mrs Cavnor is an HLTA who delivers pastoral support and intervention for individuals or groups in school.

Miss Sixsmith is an HLTA who has vast experience with working with pupils with autism and communication and interaction difficulties, who require support.

School also has a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants who support both first quality teaching and learning in class, and facilitate a range of interventions for our pupils. 

If you would like to know more about SEND and Inclusion at Upperwood Academy, please refer to the Policy for SEND and Inclusion.

If you need to contact Mrs Hirst about SEND related concerns or need advice, you can contact her via Admin or by email  k.hirst@upperwoodacademy.com

Please check out some information:

Full service guide to support in Barnsley and the Local offer

https://barnsley.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/Synergy/?localofferchannel=1783 

Information about autism assessment

https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk/services/community-paediatrics/asdat/

Find out about the Barnsley mental health team and how it can support your family

https://www.compass-uk.org/services/barnsley-mhst/ 

Information regarding children’s physiotherapy

https://therapy.barnsleychildrenshealth.co.uk/ 

Support for children with bladder and bowel difficulty

https://www.eric.org.uk/ 

This website has loads of great resources and links to support children’s mental health and wellbeing

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/wakefield-camhs-resources/ 

Check this website out for how to support children and young people

https://chilypep.org.uk/ 

SEND/ Disability website links for parents and practitioners https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/education-inclusion-services 

Autism support services offered by Barnsley https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance  

Please find details below of training courses with links to apply. All of these courses are free and delivered live over MS Teams with one of our Speech and Language Therapists.  When completing your order form on Eventbrite, include your job title (e.g. Teacher / Parent) and the organisation you work for. This helps to ensure the course is suitable for you.

Phonology Training 

We have 8 places left on our next 2 day Phonology Course. 

For: professionals and parent/carers of children in Barnsley

Date:  26th April and 5th May 2023 (this is a 2 day course) Applications for this date close on the 5th April

Time: 9.30 – 3.00 pm on both days

Click on this link to apply:   https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/523533050447 

 

Building Vocabulary Training

We have 20 places available.

For: professionals and parents/carers of children in Barnsley

Date: Thursday 15th June 2023 (applications close for this date on the 31st May)

Time: 9.30 – 3.00pm. 

Click on this link to apply: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/592541456447

 

Stammering Training

We have 20 places available.

For: professionals only working with children in Barnsley

Date: Tuesday 20th June 2023 (applications close for this date on the 30th May)

Time: 9.30 – 12.30.   

Click on this link to apply: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/553470012707

 

Sensory Circuit was introduced by Mrs Hirst to support pupils who may experience:

·         Gross motor coordination/ control difficulties

·         Sensory Processing Disorder

·         Difficulties with self-regulation

·         Other areas of need of which sensory work can be beneficial

Sensory circuit is a small group intervention which uses Alerting, Coordinating and Calming techniques to support an individual pupil’s need. Activities may be recommended by Children’s Occupational or Physiotherapy services. 

The sensory circuit can help with developing gross coordination and core strength. It can build confidence and self esteem in pupils’ physical capability. It can support self- regulation and reduce anxiety. It is also FUN!

Sensory Activity can be done at home too! 

Find out more about Sensory Circuits on these links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFQ_rWM9Qdk 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EpBSD3dJnM