Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

My name is Mrs Allen and I’m the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) at Highgate Primary School.

For me, one of the most important things is for children to be happy at school.  Happy children learn better and what a good lesson for life-to find out what makes them happy.  I am also passionate about schools thinking ‘outside the box’ and being flexible to new ideas when it comes to meeting children’s needs-not trying to make them fit ‘the mould’.  Every child is unique-they have their own strengths and interests and preferred ways of learning.  If children are struggling to learn something, it is our job to unpick what could be getting in their way and find how to help them achieve.

Parents are the experts when it comes to their children.  Listening to the children and what they think is also a key part of getting our support right.  I have two children myself, one who is at school, so I always try to nurture and care for children here like I would want staff to care for my children.

My dedicated SENDCo days are usually Wednesday and Thursday but if you would like a chat or have any questions or concerns please email me on: aallen@highgate.bepschools.org

Please find a link to the SEN policy: Highgate SEND 

If you would like a chat or have any questions.  I’m always more than happy to help!

How do we meet children’s needs?

Children may have learning needs, communication needs, a diagnosis, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, physical and sensory needs, or a combination of needs.

There are lots of ways that we support children to learn (please see SEND policy for more detailed information) but here are a few examples:

• Technology to support dyslexic learners (e.g. Nessy, reader pens, Ipad apps, voice-to-text software, access to computers, dyslexia-friendly books)
• Researched Interventions (e.g. Switch-on reading, Precision Teaching, Colourful Semantics) and highly trained staff who provide small group and 1:1 sessions.
• High quality and exciting learning in lessons.
• Use of a range of differentiation strategies to allow all children to access the curriculum with the appropriate level of support.
• Inclusive classroom environments with consistent routines to provide a safe and predictable learning environment.
• Visual timetables in every classroom so that children know what lesson they are doing and what is coming next.
• Pictures used alongside words and instructions (including Widgit software)
• Whole-school strategies for enhancing wellbeing (e.g. emotion ladder, relaxation activities, movement breaks, worry monsters).
• Personalised resources and equipment (e.g. fiddle toys, play dough, weighted toys (ADHD), pencil grips to aid motor control,etc).

ELSA Den

At Highgate, we know the importance of supporting everyone’s mental well-being. We have two of our staff team who work as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs). Mrs Jarram and Mrs Pearson have both undertaken additional training from Educational Pyschologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. These programmes aim to develop a wide range of skills and strategies in our learners, all of which help to maintain their mental well-being.

Please see the attached further information about ELSA.

Mrs Jarram runs our ELSA Den in school which children are able to access when they need additional emotional support.

This may include:

• Timetabled ELSA sessions (small group or 1:1)
• Drop-ins when support is needed
• Nurture lunch and nurture play
• Support within the classroom
• Calm, safe environment to regulate emotions.

ELSA Information

Our wonderful ELSAs Mrs Jarram and Mrs Pearson!

SEN Information Report 2023 2024