Additional Educational Needs
We have a fully inclusive ethos which determines that all pupils will be able to access the curriculum at a level appropriate for their individual needs. Class teachers do weekly planning which includes detailed differentiation to cater for all pupils in their classes. The class provision map identifies which children require specific interventions to help accelerate their progress. A few children that have needs which are more complex will have an Individual Education Plan. The plan will allow us to implement specific targets that will support them to make good progress.
If you think that your child may have an unidentified special educational need, the first step is to approach their class teacher for a discussion. Then if you are still concerned please book an appointment to speak our SENCo Catherine Wickham via the school office (tel 01795 830241 or email office@milstead.kent.sch.uk).
Useful external links for parents
Here you will find additional useful information and links to support is available to you and your children.
Information Advice and Support Kent (IASK)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Additional programmes in school
Listed below is a brief overview of the key additional programmes we deliver to support all learners, where appropriate. If you wish to discuss your child’s support programmes please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or AENCO (Additional Educational Needs Co-ordinator) Mrs Wickham.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia-friendly classroom practices are reflected throughout the school. Staff are supported to ensure they are meeting the needs of dyslexic children and we seek the advice of the Educational Psychology Service where appropriate. You can read more about dyslexia by visiting the British Dyslexia Association and you can read their latest newsletter by clicking here. Other websites that might prove useful are Kent West Dyslexia Association and Dyslexia Action.
Dyslexia and Literacy Strategies for Parents Dyslexia Provision Map
Most able
Every child has access to Quality First Teaching through which differentiation (matching teaching and learning to the relevant needs and abilities of pupils) will ensure that all pupils have access to a relevant and appropriate curriculum. This may take the form of extension (providing challenges which go more deeply into a topic) or enrichment (providing other activities which run alongside the normal curriculum and go more broadly into specific areas of study). Teachers use a range of flexible learning and teaching strategies to keep the most able children interested and provide them with challenge, such as higher order thinking skills, questioning, problem solving and independent learning. This is supported by individual target setting and appropriate grouping arrangements.
Speechlink
A speech programme which targets sounds that children have difficulties in producing. Children are tested within the school using this specialised computer programme and then the class teacher or teaching assistant delivers the suggested individualised programmes. There are occasions when the tests show that a child needs to be referred to a Speech and Language Therapy for additional guidance and/or intervention.
EAL - English as an Additional Language
This is for children who have a first language other than English and may need further intervention with their English language understanding in order to aid their academic development.
Fizzy
The Fizzy programme has been developed by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. It is graded and measurable in three stages and works on three specific areas- balance, ball skills and body awareness.
Toe by Toe
This is a highly structured, multi-sensory individual reading programme which is specially designed for children needing additional support in acquiring reading and phonic skills.
Emotional support/counselling
This intervention is accessible to all pupils who may be experiencing difficulty with some aspects of home/school life e.g. a family bereavement which may impact on their school life.
Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are vital to the development of many competencies in young children. Activities are divided into sections focusing on warming up, hand and finger strength, manipulation and eye-hand co-ordination. A programme called Clever Fingers is used for this purpose.
Autism
For advice or information on autism spectrum disorders please visit the National Autistic Society on www.autism.org.uk or the Kent Autistic Trust on www.kentautistic.com.