Introduction
At Hexham Middle School, we aim to uphold the right of all pupils to have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Here, every child is equal and unique and we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where all pupils can flourish.
We are very proud of all we do to support pupils who attend Hexham Middle School who have additional needs. Pupils have access to a full range of educational and pastoral support to ensure they feel happy, fulfilled and supported at school. We are very ambitious for what our SEND pupils can achieve and we are resolute in ensuring they receive an ambitious curriculum and the support they need to maximise their potential.
This overview is intended to give you specific information regarding the ways in which we ensure we support all of our pupils with SEND, in order that they can realise their potential. It may not list every skill, resource and technique we use to achieve this as these are continually developed and we try to modify our provision to meet the needs of individual pupils.
The Team
We have a wonderfully committed and supportive SEND team in school who work as a cohesive unit to ensure that each child gets the highest quality provision throughout their time in school.
| Name | Role in School |
|---|---|
| Mr Mark Stephenson | Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENDCo |
| Mr Duncan Scott | Head of KS3 and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Miss Becky Liddle | Head of KS2 and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
| Mrs Fiona Adams | Assistant SENDCo |
| Mrs Laura Dodds | Pupil Support Worker |
| Mrs Nicky Richards | Pupil Support Worker |
| Mrs Bridget Toor | Academic Support Coordinator |
| Miss Freya Huttton | Academic Mentor |
| Mrs Elizabeth Box | Learning Support Assistant |
| Miss Ellie Box | Learning Support Assistant |
| Ms Tara Barrick | Learning Support Assistant |
| Mr Alex Drummond | Learning Support Assistant |
| Miss Lyn Kennedy | Learning Support Assistant |
| Mr Ian Robson | Learning Support Assistant |
| Mrs Grace Young | Learning Support Assistant |
Key Workers
Within school, every pupil who is on our SEND register will be allocated a Key Worker. This key worker will meet with you and your child termly to review their progress, profile and need for additional support.
The Key Worker will work with your child from year 5 through to year 8 and will be a constant figure of support for them when they need it. The Key Worker will also liaise with teaching staff to ensure that all of the correct aspects of support are in place across the curriculum (and this is monitored by the SENDCo in all subjects).
The Key Worker is a parent/carer’s first point of call with any SEND queries and they will liaise with the SEND team to ensure all needs are met.
The Base
At Hexham Middle School, we have a fantastic SEND support area – we call this The Base. The Base is accessible for all SEND pupils over lunchtime and acts as a safe space where they can play games, enjoy quiet time or speak to a member of the SEND team. This is also a space pupils can access to do their homework or to have some fun during social times.
The Base also acts as an intervention space where small group interventions will take place with a member of the team. The environment is warm and welcoming and is very much at the heart of the school for our pupils.
Ambition for SEND learners
At Hexham Middle School, we pride ourselves on our inclusive practice. We believe that every pupil who attends our school will aspire to achieve their best no matter their background or individual needs. Our teachers ensure each learner is at the heart of their own journey and we strive to provide them with the skills and tools to achieve their personal goals.
Our curriculum is ambitious and we have high expectations of all of our pupils regardless of their starting points. Ambition is taught through the PSHE curriculum with constant links to careers and personal targets. We have a vast range of different extra-curricular activities in which pupils can take part on a daily basis. SEND pupils will work with their Key Worker throughout their time at Hexham Middle School and they will help guide each pupil towards opportunities both in and outside of school.
We want all of our SEND pupils to dream big and to aspire to achieve their personal best each and every day.
If you would like further information about what we offer here at Hexham Middle School for students with SEND, then please do not hesitate to contact our SENDCo, Mr M Stephenson (01434 610300), or our Assistant SENDCo, Mrs F Adams (01434 610300).