Quality first teaching
All children learn differently and make progress at different rates. It is a teacher’s job to help each child learn in the best way for them, by adapting the resources and approaches they use – this is called ‘differentiation or adaptation’ and is an important part of the ‘Quality first teaching’ that all pupils are entitled to.
Many children struggle at some points, but often this is just temporary and can be overcome with help and encouragement at school and at home.
If you think that your child might need extra help with learning, the first thing to do is to talk to someone in their school or setting. The class teacher is usually the best person to start with as they already know your child. It is best to make an appointment to see them at a time when you can talk without being disturbed, rather than trying to have a conversation when you drop off or collect your child.
Some questions to ask:
- Is my child making progress?
- Is my child making the progress you would expect at their age?
- Is my child reaching developmental milestones?
- Is my child struggling with any particular area of learning?
- Does my child enjoy the company of other children?
- How can we work together to support my child’s learning and social development?
You can also talk to the SENCO – the Special Educational Needs Coordinator.
What is a SENCO?
Schools and colleges will have a SENCO who is a member of the teaching staff with training and experience in helping pupils with special educational needs. They are responsible for making sure that the school’s SEND policy is put into practice, making sure pupils get the help they need.
SEND policy and SEND information report
Most educational settings have a SEND or Inclusion Policy, that explains how they support their children and young people with SEND. Schools must have a SEND information report on their website, explaining their SEND policy and practice. This should be kept up to date and reviewed at least once a year.
The report should be easy for you to find on the website and will give you useful information about support that is available for your child should they need it.
Pupils who continue to face challenges in learning, even with differentiation and high-quality teaching, may need SEND Support – this is help that is different, or more than the help that most children receive. Some children will need very little help and some will need significant support and adjustments. Where a setting, including a maintained nursery school makes special educational provision for a child with SEN they must inform the parents/main carers. The SENCO will help you understand what help your child needs and what is being done at school. They will work with you, the teachers and teaching assistants to support your child.
SEND support follows a cycle know as ‘Assess, Plan, Do, Review’ and is part of the Graduated Approach. There is much more information about the Graduated Approach here.