Working with External Agencies
At Reynolds Academy, we recognise that some children may benefit from support and advice from specialist professionals in addition to the provision available within school. We work closely with a range of external agencies to ensure that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the most appropriate support to help them achieve their full potential.
External agencies can provide specialist assessments, advice, training, and recommendations that help us better understand a child's individual needs and plan effective support. Referrals to external services are made in consultation with parents and carers and are considered when additional expertise may be beneficial.
Depending on a child's needs, we may work with professionals such as:
- Educational Psychologists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Compass Go
- School Nursing Services
- Paediatricians and other Health Professionals
- Early Help Services
- Social Care Professionals
Recommendations from external agencies are carefully considered and incorporated into classroom practice, intervention programmes, and individual support plans where appropriate.
We believe that strong partnerships between families, school staff, and specialist professionals are key to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children.
If you would like further information about the external services we work with or wish to discuss support for your child, please contact the SENDCo, Miss Bateman.
Our Graduated Approach to SEND Support
We are committed to identifying and supporting pupils' needs as early as possible. We work closely with parents and carers throughout every stage of the process, ensuring that decisions are made collaboratively and in the best interests of the child.
Step 1: Monitoring and Early Support
If concerns arise regarding a pupil's development, learning, or progress, the class teacher will first discuss these concerns with parents or carers. Together, they will agree appropriate support strategies and place the pupil on our Monitoring Register.
A monitoring form is completed to record concerns, agreed actions, and support strategies. The SENDCo is informed and the child's progress is carefully monitored. The support provided is reviewed regularly, with updates recorded approximately every six weeks to evaluate the impact of the strategies and determine next steps.
Step 2: SEND Support
If, despite targeted support and monitoring, a pupil is not making the expected progress from their starting point, they may be considered for inclusion on the SEND Register.
The class teacher and SENDCo will meet with parents or carers to discuss the pupil's needs and the support available. A Pupil Passport will be created, outlining the child's strengths, areas of need, agreed targets, and support strategies.
The Pupil Passport is reviewed and updated throughout the year to ensure support remains appropriate and effective. Parents and carers are invited to attend regular review meetings to discuss progress, celebrate successes, and agree future targets.
Step 3: Additional Support and External Agencies
For some pupils, additional support may be required beyond the school's usual provision. In these cases, the SENDCo may work alongside external professionals and specialist services to gain further advice and guidance.
Class teachers and the SENDCo will share information about the pupil's progress, strengths, and areas of need to ensure that the most appropriate support is put in place.
Step 4: Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Where a pupil's needs are significant and long-term, and despite sustained support they continue to face substantial barriers to learning, the school may discuss requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
This decision is made in partnership with parents or carers, school staff, and, where appropriate, the pupil and involved professionals. The SENDCo will coordinate the process, gathering evidence and contributions from everyone involved to support the application to the Local Authority.
Throughout every stage of our graduated approach, we place great importance on working collaboratively with families to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Our SEND newsletters are designed to keep parents and carers informed about the latest SEND updates, support services, resources, and events available both within school and the wider community.
We encourage all families to read our newsletters and take advantage of the information and opportunities they provide.