SEND Inclusion
Our Ethos
We believe that every child is entitled to an education and opportunities that enable them to enjoy, achieve and thrive at school and beyond into adulthood. As well as being enriching and enjoyable for its own sake, education must prepare all children for independent living, fulfilling employment and happy relationships.
We believe in innovation and creative approaches to challenges; and in investing our resources wisely to achieve meaningful impact.
We are optimistic about the future of SEND provision, and realistic about the hard work that must be undertaken to achieve the improvements our children and young people deserve.
Please take a look at our SEND and Inclusion Policy below.
Mrs Riley (SENDCo)
Contact: 0113 2637756 headteacher@castletonleeds.org.uk
Miss Tompkins (EYFS SENDCo)
Contact: 0113 2637756 headteacher@castletonleeds.org.uk
Our SEND and Inclusion Team
Information from the local authority on what is offered to support SEND.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here to find out about children's language development:
"Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore our simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development."
Children's language development and parenting advice - BBC Tiny Happy People
Useful contacts outside of school:
For children with an existing Education Health and Care Plan (EHC) parents should contact their SEN casework officer in writing:
SEN Statutory Assessment and Provision Team (SENSAP)Adams CourtKildare TerraceLeedsLS12 1DB
SEND Websites and Resources
Below is a selection of resources that you may find useful to support children or adults in understanding how to meet special educational needs for a variety of contexts.
www.ipsea.org.uk – A useful site for free, Special Education advice, based on statutory requirements
www.autism.org.uk – The National Autistic Society website; the main UK charity for supporting people with ASD and their families (contains lots of useful advice and resources)
www.attentionautism.com – For more information on Attention Autism and how you can support your child to develop attention and turn-taking skills
www.widgit.com/resources - Resources with symbols covering different topics and areas of life, including resources for fire safety and about visiting the doctor/dentist
www.special-needs-kids.co.uk – An information directory for parents and carers
www.iassnetwork.co.uk – Advice and support for parents of children with SEN
www.autismuk.com – Lots of information on ASD
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk – Advice and support, including booklets, to help with independent toileting, sleeping and managing behaviour
www.autismspeaks.org – A comprehensive site, with a useful resource library
www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html - A really useful set of social stories to share with children, covering topics ranging from coping with a new baby in the family to getting a haircut and making friends. The National Autistic Society website also provides guidance on writing your own personalised social stories
https://sendiass.leeds.gov.uk/ A free, impartial and confidential advice service for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
What are the roles of the different professionals my child may be involved with?
If your child has a special educational need or disability, there could be a range of professionals involved in supporting them in school. Each has expertise in an area which is used to have as complete an approach to your child's needs as possible. Often, only a small number of professionals are involved and your child's class teacher or SENDCo will explain who they are and what they do.
The process of assessment and support for a child with more complex SEND needs can be confusing and complicated. There could be many different specialists involved in different aspects of your child's needs. Below are some of the main professionals who may be involved.
See professionals below:
Cluster. Cluster are a group of professionals who support families of the local cluster of schools. Cluster offers expertise in family support, improving school attendance and supporting behavioural, emotional and developmental needs. They offer support through a range of strategies including therapies, counselling or courses all aimed at helping young people achieve their best. Cluster referrals are made via school or NHS services.
The cluster has an important role in the Support and Guidance team. This is made up of a wide range of professionals including school who review more complex cases and have access to the full range of support available in Leeds including CAMHS
Educational Psychologist (EP). An EP is a highly trained specialist who supports children and young people with additional needs so that they can maximise their learning. EPs make an assessment of a child's strengths and difficulties and recommend either further investigation or actions aimed at improving a child's ability to access their learning successfully. An EP may become involved if the interventions available to school are not having the desired impact or if an assessment for an EHCP has been applied for. EPs are in very high demand and work on priority cases within school.
Class teacher - Your child's class teacher is responsible for your child's safety and education. They will use their skills and knowledge to put in place any interventions of adaptations to ensure your child can access their learning successfully. Very often, the class teacher will be able to put in place everything which is needed without the need for professionals outside of school. They are the key person to talk to about any concerns you have about your child and for updates on how your child is doing.
Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo). Every school has a teacher trained as a SENDCo. They have a wide role within school and may have their own class to teach as well. They do not deliver interventions as a SENDCo but are responsible for ensuring that the needs of children with SEND are being met. Their role includes: supporting the identification of children with special educational needs; coordinating SEND provision; liaising with professionals outside of school; supporting school to meet all its legal requirements; developing the strategic SEND policy with the head teacher and governors.
The Neurodiversity information hub - MindMate is a one-stop information site to support all neurodivergent children, young people and their families (CYPF) in Leeds, at any point in their neurodiversity journey (currently focusing on autism and ADHD). The ‘ND Hub’ is designed to support those with or without any diagnosis, as well as those before and after neurodevelopmental assessments, and beyond. More information is being added all the time, so keep looking back to check!
Useful information/further support for parents
Leeds local Offer
Leeds Mindmate
Government Advice for Parents and Carers of children with SEND
Leeds NHS CAMHS information
Leeds SENDIASS
SCOPE