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    • Special Educational Needs or Disabilities

    What is SEND?

    SEND stands for Special Educational Need or Disability. If a child is struggling to make progress in school or college it is possible that they may have special educational need or disability. A child or young person with SEND needs provision which is different from or additional to that available to others of the same age. A child’s needs should be identified and the provision should match the identified needs.

    The SEND Code of Practice identifies four broad areas of need and support:

    ● communication and interaction
    ● cognition and learning
    ● social, emotional and mental health
    ● sensory and / or physical needs

    Click on the buttons below to download copies of the SEND Code of Practice, our most recent SEND Information Report and the Kingsmeadow SEND Policy.

    SEND Code of Practice
    SEND Information Report
    Kingsmeadow SEND Policy

    Kingsmeadow’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator

    Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Ms Hutchinson and she can be contacted by email at contactsend@kingsmeadow.org.uk 

    Parents and carers should contact the SENDCo with any issue about the provision their child receives at school. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, please refer to the school’s complaints policy.

    Ms Hutchinson, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) and Designated Teacher for Children in Our Care

     

    SEND at Kingsmeadow Community School

    We are committed to ensuring every student, regardless of their needs, can reach the highest possible level in their education.

    Our school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that meets individual needs and abilities. Students may receive Special Educational Needs or Disability support throughout their education journey or at a specific time if needed.

    The school’s curriculum planning and assessment processes enables our students to participate effectively in all curriculum, assessment, extra-curricular activities, and other important aspects of school life as far as it is possible.

    Through high quality planning and quality first teaching, our intent for all learners with SEND is that:

    ● we identify early, any needs of children who may require additional support;
    ● ensure that all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum which is adapted to enable children to understand the relevance and purpose of learning;
    ● develop children’s independence;
    ● regularly monitor the progress of children with SEND, using an approach which focuses on the whole child;
    ● provide good quality and relevant training for all staff members supporting children with SEND;
    ● work in close partnership with parents and carers, and
    ● work closely with external agencies and other professionals to support and develop our provision for children with SEND.

    Talk to a member of our SEND team

    There are times when our students’ parents and carers need to discuss their child’s specific needs. That is why we dedicate time in our school week for them to talk to a member of the SEND team.

    To arrange a chat with the team click the button below.

    Book an appointment with the SEND team

    Exam access arrangements

    We are committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to demonstrate their true potential. Access arrangements provide additional help for students with specific needs during assessments and examinations, in line with national guidance.

    To help parents understand how these arrangements work and what support may be available, we’ve created a clear and practical guide.

    Read the booklet here

    Gateshead SEND Local Offer

    The Gateshead SEND Local Offer has a wealth of information regarding SEND services in Gateshead.

    The Gateshead Local Offer brings together information for children and young people aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.

    The SEND Support Guidance: An Information Leaflet for Parents and Carers, and the
    Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) Annual Review Process
    documents are available below.

    Click on the button for a  helpful video about the Gateshead Local Offer.

    What you need to know about the Local Offer

    The Gateshead Rainbow Guide

    This guide is a clear and practical resource for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Gateshead—created by parent carers, for parent carers.

    This comprehensive guide offers trusted information, practical support, and a sense of community for parents and carers navigating the often complex SEND journey. Developed collaboratively by the Choice Wellbeing Service, NHS services, Gateshead Parent Carer Forum, and Gateshead Council, it covers every stage—from initial concerns and diagnosis to education, health, and everyday life.

    Click on the button below to download the guide.

    Gateshead Rainbow Guide to SEND support

    Gateshead Threshold

    SEND Thresholds are Gateshead’s new document to help children and young people with SEND thrive in education, prepare for adulthood and have the best experience possible.

    The Thresholds are a breakdown of the levels of need a child or young person may experience.

    The SEND Thresholds (0-25 years) guidance document is available below.

    Click on the button for a  helpful video that provides a very useful summary of the latest guidance.

    Gateshead Threshold video – for parents and carers

    Click on the buttons below to read or download the documents.

    SEND Support Guidance: An Information Leaflet for Parents and Carers Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) Annual Review Process Using the SEND Thresholds (0-25 Years) Guidance 2024