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.

Free Specialist Training in Autism and Raising Standards (STARS) online workshops for parents and professionals

STARS are running a series of free online parent/professional workshops linked to supporting neuro-divergent children in the home. The workshops are aimed at a range of age groups from the early years to post 16. Parents will be provided with the resource pack after the workshop. Professionals will be provided with the resource pack and a copy of the slides so they can deliver the training to parents of children in their setting.

Each workshop will be delivered via Teams from 9:45-11:15.

Dates and topics:

06.12.2024        Identity and Diagnosis
10.01.2025        Visual Supports in the Home EY
10.01.2025        Keeping autistic children and young people safe online
07.02.2025        Visual Supports Secondary & Post 16
07.03.2025        Key life transitions
02.05.2025        Anxiety based avoidance
06.06.2025        A basic introduction to Intensive Interaction:
04.07.2025        Puberty and sexuality

Parents should email starsteam@leeds.gov.uk stating their name, email address and workshops they would like to book.

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

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.