Our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Policy sets out our approach to supporting children with additional needs at Park Spring Primary School. It explains our principles, how we identify and assess SEND, and how we plan and deliver support to help every child achieve their full potential.

The policy also outlines the roles and responsibilities of staff, how we involve parents and pupils, and how we review and monitor progress. It reflects our commitment to inclusion, early support, and working closely with families and professionals.

You can read the full policy here: SEND Policy

Our SEND Information Report outlines how we support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Park Spring Primary School. It explains what help is available, how we identify and assess needs, and how we work with families and other professionals to ensure every child can thrive. The report also details the kinds of support we offer and how decisions are made about a child’s individual provision.

We aim to make sure all children feel included, valued, and able to succeed—whatever their needs may be.

You can read the full report here:  SEND Information Report

This guide is designed to help parents understand what Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are and how we support children with SEND at Park Spring Primary School.

It explains what SEND means, how we identify and support children with additional needs, and what you can expect from us as a school. The guide also gives a simple overview of our SEND Policy (how we plan and provide support) and our SEND Information Report (how we put that support into practice day to day).

It’s a helpful starting point for understanding how we work in partnership with families to make sure every child can succeed.

You can read the full guide here SEND Guide for parents

Useful websites

Scope - Disabilities Charity

SENDIASS - Advice and support from the council for pupils with SEND

The Leeds Local Offer - information about what support there is for your child.

Mindmate

Park Spring Primary School is a Mindmate Champion school who ensure that mental wellbeing is taught to all children in school. When a child or children struggle in this area we can access targeted and specialist support for them.

https://www.mindmate.org.uk/im-a-professional/leeds-mindmate-single-point-access/

At Park Spring Primary School we appreciate that family life has its ups and downs, and we see the benefit of working with and supporting families in the tough times in order that children are able to get the emotional help they need, so they can thrive socially, emotionally and academically. Mrs Holl is our Family Liaison Officer and Mrs Doran is our Family Support Officer and are available to talk - just call our office on 0113 2552526. Where appropriate we support families through Early Help Plans, and will also signpost families to appropriate agencies/services where appropriate. Below are some links you may find useful.

Useful Links

Money Information Centre - for information and advice, including debts

Advice around housing in Leeds

Advice if you are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless

Forward Leeds - Support and advice around drugs and alcohol

Zarach - Support with beds, bedding and mattresses.  Please contact one of our Family Support Officers if you are interested in accessing Zarach Support

If you need support with food, the Swinnow Community Centre has a foodbank. Please let us know if you would like help connecting with them.

Pudsey Community Project - For free second hand uniform

BARCA - general support and advice including social prescribing and counselling

Hub of Hope

The Hub of Hope is the UK’s national mental health support database, bringing together local, national, peer, community, charity, and NHS services in one place. It is free to use and helps children, parents, and carers quickly find the right support nearby or online. The app and website also include a “Need Help Now” button to connect directly with crisis services such as Samaritans or Shout.

Leeds Food Aid Network

The Leeds Food Aid Network (FAN) brings together local food banks, pantries, drop-in kitchens, and community food provision across Leeds. You can use the FAN website to find emergency food support, low-cost meals, and helpful advice based on your location and needs. For immediate help with signposting to the right service, visit their map-based directory.

Website: https://leedsfoodaidnetwork.co.uk/

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana is a Leeds-based charity that supports individuals affected by Honour-Based Abuse and forced marriage. They provide confidential advice, emotional and practical help, and run a free national helpline. Their work ensures that anyone at risk can access safety, support, and guidance.

Website: http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/

Kooth

Kooth is a service which provides support with well-being and resilience. Kooth is a web based confidential support service available to 11-18 year olds who are going through a hard time. Kooth provides a safe and secure means of accessing mental health and well-being support. This is designed specifically for young people

Website: www.kooth.com
Visit kooth.com and sign up for the text based conversation with a qualified counsellor. Counsellors are available from 12 noon to 10pm on a weekday and 6pm to 10pm at weekends

Samaritans

Web: www.samaritans.org
Telephone: 116123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Encourages children and adults to talk about their own mental health needs and provides top tips for managing mental health during crisis.

Young Minds

Text YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. It also provides support and guidance for parents/carers to help support their children with managing their mental health.

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Text ‘YM’ to: 85258
Parent Helpline:0808-802-5544

Cruse

This is a service which offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. They provide tips to help yourself, or as a parent; how you can support your child. There are video links which explain the grieving process so children/ adults understand each stage of grief.

Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Telephone: 08088081677

Refuge: Domestic Violence

The National Domestic and Abuse Helpline is for women and children who are exposed to domestic violence. This allows you the option to seek help, support and advice. In an emergency, please call 999.

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
24- hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08082000247

Leeds Domestic Violence Service

The Leeds Domestic Violence Service provide women and men with choices from a range of community based services, including temporary supported housing, IDVA(independent domestic violence advocate)support, community outreach support, a telephone helpline, drop-ins and support groups.

Website: www.ldvs.uk
24- hour helpline: 0113 2460401
Email: administration@leedswomensaid.org.uk

Place2Be

Well-being activities and ideas for families to complete. Counselling services. Place2Be works in partnership with Shout a 24/7 text messaging service to support anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere.

Website: www.place2be.org.uk
Email: enquiries@place2be.org.uk
Text ‘Shout’ for support on 85258.

Stop Abuse Together

Child sexual abuse is a reality for thousands of children across our country, with at least one in ten estimated to experience sexual abuse before they turn 16. We can all play a part in protecting children and getting them the right help. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot the potential signs of child sexual abuse and where to go for support. This website brings together advice and resources to help keep children safe.

Parent Zone

At Parent Zone, we believe the online world offers enormous opportunities to children and young people. As the experts in digital family life, we know tech also poses huge challenges.

Our purpose is to help children face the digital future with confidence. To feel secure, to be resilient.

Website: https://parentzone.org.uk/
Email: info@parentzone.org.uk
Phone: 020 7686 7225

Thinkuknow

This is an educational programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline for different age groups and supports parents.

Website: www.THINKUKNOW.co.uk

Childnet

Childnet has produced a Parent and Carer Toolkit which is a collection of three resources designed to help you talk to your child about their online life, manage boundaries around family internet use and point you in the direction of where to get further help and support.

Website: www.childnet.com

The UK Safer Internet Centre

Parents and carers can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

Website:
www.saferinternet.org.uk

Shout

Text service for anyone in crisis. They can speak to someone through a text message and get fast responses. This is a great service to use instead of having to speak top someone over the phone.

Text 85258
Website https://www.giveusashout.org/

1. Email the SENDCO Team
   Send your complaint to sencoteam@parkspringprimary.co.uk.
2. Subject Line
   Use a clear subject line:
   “SEND Complaint: [Child’s Name] – [Brief Description of Issue]”
   Example: “SEND Complaint: Jamie Smith – Concerns About Support in Class”
3. What to Include in Your Complaint
   To help us address your concerns effectively, please include the following information:
   • Your child’s full name, year group, and class teacher.
   • A clear description of your concerns: What has happened? When did it happen? How has it affected your child?
   • Details of any actions already taken: Have you discussed this issue with the class teacher or SENDCO before? What was their response?
   • Supporting evidence (if applicable): Any emails, notes, or reports related to the concern.
   • What you would like to happen: Be specific about the resolution you’re seeking.
4. Keep Communication Clear
   Use straightforward language and provide examples to support your points. This helps us understand and address your concerns more quickly.

1. Understand Your Rights
   As a parent at a local authority school in England, you have the right to:
   • Raise concerns about your child’s SEND provision.
   • Expect a fair and timely response.
   • Be informed about your child’s progress and the support provided.
   • Request information on the school’s SEND policy and procedures.
2. Be Specific
   Focus on the specific issue(s) affecting your child, such as lack of support during lessons, delays in assessments, or challenges with communication.
3. Stay Polite and Professional
   Expressing your concerns respectfully will help open a constructive dialogue. It’s okay to feel upset but try to stay calm and focused on finding a solution.
4. Keep Records
   Save copies of emails and notes from conversations. This ensures there is a record of your concerns and any responses from the school.
5. Ask Questions
   If you’re unsure about your child’s SEND provision or processes, ask. For example, “Can you explain how the school is meeting my child’s needs under the SEND Code of Practice?”
6. Use Available Resources
   Refer to the school’s SEND Information Report and the SEND Code of Practice (2015) for guidance on what you should expect. You can also contact your local authority or SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) for additional support.

1. Acknowledgment
   You will receive an acknowledgment email within three working days.
2. Investigation
   Your complaint will be reviewed by the SENDCO team. If needed, we may contact you for further details.
3. Resolution Meeting
   We may invite you to a meeting to discuss the issue and explore solutions.
4. Outcome Communication
   You will receive a written response within 10 working days, outlining the findings and any actions the school will take.
5. Next Steps
   If you feel your concerns have not been resolved, you can escalate the complaint to the Headteacher or follow the school’s formal complaints procedure, detailed in our Complaints Policy.