SEND

Academy 360 is an inclusive academy where every child is valued, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential. We are committed to the inclusion, progress, and independence of all our students, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Our curriculum is designed to support students’ academic learning, emotional and social development, and growing independence. We actively work to meet the needs of all members of our school community.

A child or young person has Special Educational Needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision which is additional to, or different from, that made generally for other children or young people of the same age (SEND Code of Practice, 2015, p.16).

Teachers are responsible for the progress of all students in their class. High-quality teaching, carefully planned and inclusive, is the first and most important step in supporting students with SEND. All students are challenged to do their very best and are expected to make at least good progress from their individual starting points.

Staff have a strong understanding of pupils’ needs and work closely with external professional agencies when additional guidance or support is required. We place great value on strong partnerships with parents and carers, ensuring open communication and shared decision-making. Digital tools and assistive technologies are used where appropriate to enhance access to learning. High-quality continuing professional development (CPD) ensures staff are confident and skilled in meeting a wide range of needs.

Leaders have increased capacity within the SEND team and prioritised the upskilling of classroom teachers and support staff. The phase is swift in identifying needs and works effectively with parents to develop supportive partnerships. Half-termly Inclusion Fusion meetings provide opportunities for collaboration and review, and parents are encouraged to engage with school communications, including social media posts and signposting to support groups.

Parents’ views are gathered regularly through surveys and conversations. Feedback shows that parents are largely positive about the support provided, while recognising that the increasing national demand for SEND provision can present challenges.

Curriculum Approaches and Classroom Practice

Specific approaches used across the curriculum include:

• Seating arrangements to promote inclusion

• Differentiated activities to support and stretch learners in all lessons

• Access to digital devices and accessibility tools

• Accessible yet appropriately challenging resources

• Displays and visual learning tools to support understanding where required

• Additional adults to scaffold learning where appropriate

• Opportunities for group work and discussion

• Clear and consistent teacher–student communication

• Feedback (verbal and written) that supports progress

• Independent learning and homework tasks set in line with peers

• Targeted interventions when required

Please also refer to our Pupil Premium Strategy and Teaching and Learning Model for further details on how we support all learners to succeed.