Our Inclusive Approach

At Vauvert Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, is included, and supported to achieve their full potential.

We recognise that all children are unique and that they learn, develop and thrive in different ways. Some pupils may have identified additional learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD or autism. Others may require support for medical needs, including allergies, asthma or toileting difficulties. Some children may need additional help with certain aspects of learning, while others may have particular strengths, talents or gifts that benefit from additional challenge and enrichment.

Whatever a child's strengths, needs or circumstances, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. We work closely with families to ensure that children feel safe, happy and confident, and that they receive the support they need at the right time.

Our aim is for every pupil to leave Vauvert Primary School with the skills, confidence, resilience and independence needed for the next stage of their education and beyond.

How We Support Children with Additional Learning Needs

We believe that every child has the right to an education that supports them to develop their abilities, talents and interests to the fullest extent, as outlined in Articles 28 and 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

We follow a graduated approach to identifying and supporting additional learning needs. Support begins with high-quality teaching in the classroom and, where necessary, can become more targeted or personalised to meet a child's individual needs.

Parents and carers are an important part of this process. We involve families in discussions and decisions about their child's learning, wellbeing and support arrangements through informal conversations, parent meetings, review meetings and ALN planning processes. Where appropriate, professionals working with your child may also be involved.

Levels of Support

We meet children's needs flexibly using the continuum of support outlined in the ALN Code of Practice.

High Quality Inclusive Practice (HQIP)

This is the support that all children receive as part of everyday classroom teaching. Lessons are carefully planned and adapted so that all pupils can access learning and make progress.

Targeted Support

Where a child requires additional help, targeted support may be introduced. This may include specific strategies, programmes or short-term interventions designed to help address an identified area of need.

Specialist Support

Some children may benefit from advice or support from specialist services. This could involve professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, the Communication, Interaction and Autism Service (CIAS), or Les Voies Outreach.

Determination

For a small number of children with more complex needs, a Formal Assessment process may be undertaken to gain a detailed understanding of their needs and identify the support required.

What is an ALN Plan?

If a child is receiving targeted or specialist support, they may have an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Plan.

An ALN Plan is a personalised document that helps everyone involved in your child's education understand their strengths, areas of need and the support that will help them achieve their goals.

The plan is developed collaboratively by your child's class teacher, with contributions from parents and carers, school staff and any external professionals involved in supporting your child.

An ALN Plan may include:

• Your child's strengths, interests and achievements
• Areas where additional support may be needed
• Individual targets and desired outcomes
• Strategies and support that will be provided
• Details of who will be involved in supporting your child

Targets are reviewed regularly, usually once each term, to ensure that support remains appropriate and effective. Parents and carers are kept informed throughout the process and are invited to discuss progress during review meetings, parent consultations and through end-of-year reports.

We believe children make the best progress when schools and families work together, and we encourage open communication throughout a child's learning journey.

What Should I Do if I Think My Child May Have Additional Learning Needs?

At Vauvert Primary School, we believe that identifying and supporting needs early can have a positive impact on a child's learning, well-being and self-confidence.

If you have any concerns about your child's learning, development, communication, behaviour or emotional wellbeing, we encourage you to speak to us as soon as possible. In most cases, your child's class teacher will be the best person to talk to first, as they know your child well and can discuss how they are progressing in school.

We understand that parents and carers know their children best and play a vital role in helping us understand their needs. You do not need to wait for a formal parent consultation meeting to raise a concern. We welcome ongoing communication and are always happy to listen and offer advice.

If needed, your child's class teacher and/or the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) will arrange a meeting with you to discuss your concerns, share information and agree on the most appropriate next steps.

Working Together

We believe that the strongest support for children comes from a positive partnership between home and school.

If you would like to discuss your child's needs, seek advice or share any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs McCreight, our ALNCo, who will be happy to meet with you and discuss how we can support your child.

For further information, please see our Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Inclusion and Equality Policy, available in the Policies section of our website.