What kinds of Special Educational Needs might children at our academy have?
Special educational needs and provision can be considered as falling under four broad areas:
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and learning
- Social, emotional and mental health
- Sensory and/or physical
How do we identify Special Educational Needs and Disability in our Academy?
At E-ACT Blackley Academy, children are identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disability in a variety of ways, including the following:
- Liaison with the previous setting
- Children performing below age related expectations
- Concerns raised by parents
- Concerns raised by staff
- Liaison with external agencies
- Health diagnosis through a paediatrician
Acorns is for any child requiring additional support to access a mainstream curriculum.
Acorns is a place where children are encouraged to develop socially, emotionally and academically in a safe, supportive and non – judgemental environment. It will provide additional opportunities for children to build resilience and forge positive relationships with adults and peers and to improve their engagement with learning. Working with key staff across the school, Acorns staff will develop a programme for each child that addresses specific, identified needs. Our ultimate aim is to help all children recognise and work towards achieving their academic, social and life goals.
Typical mentoring activities may include:
- Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (eg work on social intelligence, self – esteem, friendship, anxiety, etc)
- Anger Management
- Art Therapy
- Eco/Outdoor – Therapy
- Lego Therapy
How can I raise concerns if I need to?
Talk to us – you can talk to your child’s class teacher or our SENCo (Gemma Spence) or any member of the Pastoral Support team (Rhonda Alleyne and Sharon Croke) about your concerns for your child.