Our SENDCo

Mrs Ellie Smitheringale is our school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo). She has a wealth of experience and expertise in supporting pupils with SEND, including those who need additional support with behaviour and emotional regulation.

Mrs Smitheringale works in school on Wednesdays and Fridays. She can also be contacted by email throughout the working week.

Parents and carers can contact Mrs Smitheringale through the school office:

• Telephone: 01406 380369
• School office email: office@csm.keystonemat.org
• SENDCo email: ellie.smitheringale@csm.keystonemat.org

Our inclusive vision

Cowbit St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy is a welcoming and inclusive school where everyone is valued. Inspired by the Parable of the Mustard Seed, our vision is for every member of our school community to be welcomed, nurtured and enabled to flourish. Together, we are “Growing together in learning, love and faith.”

We value the individual gifts, abilities and achievements of every pupil and are committed to providing the best possible environment for learning. We recognise that some children may have special educational needs or disabilities at different points during their school life.

Just as a mustard seed needs the right conditions, care and nurture to grow, we believe that every child can develop and flourish when barriers are identified and the right support is provided. By working in partnership, pupils, parents and carers, teachers, support staff and external professionals can help children overcome barriers and experience success.

Our aims

Our ambitions for pupils with SEND are the same as those we hold for every child. We aim to ensure that pupils with SEND:

• feel welcomed, valued and included within the life of our academy;
• have access to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum;
• participate fully in learning and in the wider life of the academy;
• receive high-quality teaching that responds to their individual strengths and needs;
• are supported to make the best possible progress;
• develop confidence, independence and resilience; and
• are given opportunities to recognise their gifts, achieve success and flourish.

We understand the importance of making reasonable adjustments and personalising provision where appropriate. Our approach considers the whole child, including their strengths, interests, aspirations, relationships, wellbeing and any barriers that may affect their learning.

Our SEND provision

Provision at Cowbit St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy is flexible and responsive. Support is planned carefully and adapted, wherever possible, to meet the individual needs of each pupil.

Our staff are experienced in supporting pupils with a wide range of needs and are committed to enabling every child to lead a happy, fulfilling and successful school life.

SEND provision may include:

• High-quality, inclusive teaching that is adapted to meet pupils’ different starting points and needs.
• Additional intervention and support delivered by a teacher or trained member of support staff, either individually or within a small group.
• Personalised learning and provision, including individualised approaches for pupils with more complex or diverse needs.
• Support within the classroom, including appropriately deployed adult assistance where this is necessary.
• Reasonable adjustments, resources and adaptations to improve pupils’ access to learning and academy life.
• Support from external specialists, including advice, assessment, specialist programmes and staff training where appropriate.
• Pastoral, emotional and behavioural support to promote pupils’ wellbeing, engagement and readiness to learn.

Provision is regularly reviewed to consider its impact and ensure that it continues to meet the pupil’s needs.

Working in partnership with families

At Cowbit St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy, we firmly believe that a strong partnership between the academy and families helps children and young people with SEND to achieve their potential.

Parents and carers know their children best and hold valuable information about their strengths, needs and the approaches that help them to thrive. They therefore have a vital role in decision-making and in planning and reviewing their child’s support.

We are committed to listening carefully, communicating openly and working respectfully with families. Where appropriate, pupils are also supported to share their views, express what is important to them and contribute to decisions about their education and support.

Through this partnership, we seek to live out our vision by ensuring that every child is known, nurtured and given the care and opportunities they need to grow and flourish.

Lincolnshire’s Local Offer

Lincolnshire’s Local Offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, their families and the professionals who support them. It explains the education, health, social care and other support that may be available within Lincolnshire.

The Local Offer is intended for:

• children and young people with SEND from birth to 25 years old;
• parents and carers of children and young people with SEND;
• professionals working in education, health and social care; and
• organisations providing services for children, young people and families.

Visit Lincolnshire’s Local Offer to find further information and support.

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum

The Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum provides information and represents the views and experiences of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

• Visit the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum website
• Read the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum newsletter