A child has SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision, in addition to what is provided for their other peers, to be made for them. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can affect a child’s ability to learn. They can broadly affect their:
Children may have other learning needs such as English as an additional language or having missed gaps in education for various different reasons. The Inclusion Team, comprising of the SEND Team and Student Support Team also provide support for students who are Children in Care or previously looked after children and those which have medical needs.
If you have concerns about your child’s progress, you can initially speak to your child’s Tutor or Head of Year. If you are concerned your child is still not making progress, you can contact Ms Lynett, the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator who has responsibility for SEND.
You can contact Ms Lynett (SENCO) on (0117)9763000 or via email at jcainfo@clf.uk
At John Cabot we are fortunate to draw students from both South Gloucestershire and Bristol Local Authorities. Both Authorities have published their Local Offer of SEND at the following sites.
Local Offer South Gloucestershire
All staff at JCA are committed to supporting students with additional needs. We look to identify difficulties as early as possible to ensure that appropriate provision is put in place. Additional needs are identified in the following ways:
As with all schools we follow the graduated response as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice and we involve outside agencies where appropriate.
Our aim is that all students at JCA receive high quality differentiated lessons and for those that require it, additional support is available where necessary.
Students who are on the SEN Register will have a personal Pupil Profile. These Profiles are accessible by all teachers and support staff. Parents can email with any concerns and if a bespoke meeting is required, then arrangements can be made.
If a student is identified by assessments, staff, parents or external agencies as needing additional support or interventions, we will work hard to make sure this compliments their learning and ensure that parents are kept informed. Where support is identified this will be allocated in line with the need of the pupil or EHCP. If a student has an EHCP they will be allocated a ‘Lead’ LSA to allow clear identification of communication lines between the students, subject teachers, the SENCO and Home.
Liaison with parents is crucial to providing a holistic support network for a child’s education. Parents should not hesitate to get in contact with us at the school or particularly in the SEN department if they have any concerns or questions. We will always aim to respond as quickly as possible. We also advise parents to make the most of any opportunity to engage with staff at the school; from Parents’ Evenings, to school trips and productions.
JCA benefits from external support from a range of agencies, including:
As well as supporting students with learning and/or medical needs JCA is committed to supporting children’s social and emotional development through all areas of the curriculum. We support children’s development in school through our vertical pastoral support system and where needed higher tier support.
Transition of children into our school is planned and supports the child to feel safe and ready to join JCA. The induction plan includes:
South Glos Parent and Carers support group
Bristol Parent and Carers support group
corrina@platypustraining.org Corina has four Autistic children and recently has recently set up her own business after years of working with Children’s Services in South Glos. and she has a Facebook page too. Corrina charges for her work, but the first session/consultation is free, and this is may all be that’s needed.
Whilst awaiting an Autism assessment for child/young persons parents can now access workshops which are available in person or online which explore aspects such as behaviour and communication/sensory issues. This will enable opportunities to meet and hear from other families in a similar situation to yourself: leaflet .
Providing information, support and training for parents/carers of children in Bristol and South Glos. Includes info relevant to those with or without a diagnosis.
Includes lists of groups and activities that may be of interest Clubs and groups for autistic young people in and around Bristol – Bristol Autism Support in addition to Resources – Diverse (diverseuk.org)
Support families who have children who are 0-25 years and have any additional needs or disability. This can be anything from learning needs such as dyslexia to complex disabilities or medical problems. Many children who come have no diagnosis. Weekly support group for parents, carers and children + training courses on a range of topics.
Workshops / events / information / support for families of children with ASD. National project with local link and courses run locally.
Friendship and inspiration to help autistic girls bloom -info and resources.
provides information for families with children affected by a neurological condition aged under 16 years (for example; neuro-genetic conditions, Celebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Developmental Delay, Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties). Families can hire sensory equipment and books from their library and access advice from their sleep service.
Helpline Tel no: 0800 328 1159 or enquiries@cerebra.org.uk
Young Minds national charity offers confidential online and telephone information and support for anyone worried about the emotional, behaviour, or mental health of a child/young person up to 25 years of age, including ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s. Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
