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
Downloads
Barnsley local offer:
Please check out some new information:
Families Information Service (part of BMBC) is holding Local Offer Live Week from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th June 2022.
This is a week-long showcase with many events about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). If you are a parent, carer, or family member of a young person with SEND, this week is for you!
There are lots of free events to get involved with to help you understand the SEND services and support available in Barnsley. Plus fun FREE family centre activities for the whole family
Some are drop-in sessions, and some you need to book via the Local Offer Website
The week of events kicks off with ‘Market Place Monday’ on Monday 20th June 2022 @ Priory Campus, Lundwood 10am – 6pm
To view the full timetable, book events and for more information visit:
https://barnsley.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/Synergy/Local_Offer/LocalOfferLiveLandingPage.aspx
Or follow Barnsley SEND Local Offer on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/barnsleysendlocaloffer
Agency links and guidance for parents
Full service guide to support in Barnsley and the Local offer
https://barnsley.cloud.servelec-synergy.com/Synergy/?localofferchannel=1783
Information about autism assessment
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
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
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
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