Our aim within the Ribbon Academy is…
‘To develop a modern, world – class curriculum that will inspire and challenge all learners and prepare them for the future.’
Ribbon Academy operates its inclusive provision in line with Durham Local Authorities SEND policies and procedures. All of our pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum at a level and pace suitable for their ability, whilst our SEND philosophy places children at the heart of personalised learning and our curriculum is tailored to meet individual pupil needs. At times, modifications to the curriculum may be implemented, supported by the use of PIVATS, or similar programmes, which provide a structured approach to assessing, planning for learning, tracking and measuring small steps of attainment. To fulfil this vision, within Ribbon Academy, we are committed to:
- A range of teaching and learning styles
- Differentiated materials (both for reinforcement and extension)
- Access to ICT
- Additional in class support
- Additional out of class support
- Flexible groupings (including small group work)
- The appropriate use of rewards and sanctions
- Mentoring and counselling
- A broad range of extra-curricular activities, including additional learning opportunities before and after school
- Assessment procedures that emphasise pupils’ strengths and achievements
- Applications to examination boards to obtain access arrangements as appropriate
By the time children leave our school in Year 6, all achievements, additional needs and learning styles will be passed over in a fully transparent transition period including parent meetings, meetings with new school staff and children’s taster days.
(It is important to note that not all pupils referred to our SENDCo will permanently be placed upon our SEND register; any support and guidance given may be short, medium or long term depending on need).
Ribbon Academy has a relentless focus upon sustained progress and achievement and we are committed to the equal inclusion of every pupil across all areas of school life. We recognise the diverse and individual needs of all of our pupils and take into account the additional support required by those children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). At Ribbon Academy, we recognise that all pupils are entitled to a quality of provision which will enable them to achieve their full potential. We believe in positive intervention; removing barriers to learning; raising expectations and levels of achievement, and working in partnership with other agencies in order to provide a positive learning experience for all SEND pupils from the earliest point at which difficulties arise.
We believe that the time spent at Ribbon should prepare our young people for future life and equip them with the skills they need to be independent, resilient members of the community. As such, we ensure that the years spent with us are about so much more than an education based upon exams; life at Ribbon is an experience which will remain with, and prepare, our students for the rest of their lives.
Our SENDCo is responsible for the operation of the Special Educational Needs Policy and co-ordination of specific provision in school to support individual children with SEND. She will liaise with staff to monitor pupil progress and plan further interventions where progress is slower than expected, as well as having regular contact with a wide range of external agencies that are able to give more specialised advice.
