Ribbon Academy ensures accessibility of all pupils to the school through:

• adaptations to the physical environment
• improvements in the provision of information
• access to the curriculum

Parents/carers should always talk to the SENDCo and/or Deputy Head Teacher to discuss what we can reasonably do to include every child.

All children learn and develop in different ways and may need extra help and support at various points throughout their time at school. Some children, at some time in their school life, might have additional or different needs and it may be that they will be on our SEND register for a short period or a long period of time. However, children’s needs will be reviewed regularly in order to ensure that the provision is suitable and supports every child’s development. We will:

• ensure that all pupils have access to the school curriculum and all school activities in order to promote highest levels of achievement
• help all pupils achieve to the best of their ability, regardless of any difficulty or disability they may have
• ensure that all staff are aware of and sensitive to the needs of all pupils, teaching pupils in a way that is more appropriate to their needs
• support pupils to gain in confidence and improve their self-esteem
• work in partnership with parents/carers, pupils and relevant external agencies in order to provide for children’s special educational needs and disabilities.
• identify at the earliest opportunity, all children that need special consideration to support their needs (whether these are educational, social, physical or emotional)
• make suitable provision for children with SEND to develop their abilities, interests and aptitudes and gain maximum access to the curriculum
• promote self-worth and enthusiasm by encouraging independence at all age and ability levels.
• regularly review policy and practice in order to achieve best practice.

In addition, Ribbon Academy is fully compliant with DDA requirements.

Our learning environment is large and specifically set out for easy access for children with physical/mobility difficulties.

The school is on one level with easy access through double doors.

There are disabled toilets and a specially equipped room for intimate care needs, including a child’s toilet adapted for easy access, a hoist and large changing bed.

There is a Sensory Room in the main teaching corridor and Nursery.

We ensure, where ever possible, that equipment used is accessible to all children regardless of their needs.

Children with physical/medical needs have a comprehensive Individual Health Care Plan in place.

After school provision is accessible to all children including those with SEND.

Extra-curricular activities are accessible for children with SEND.

SEND interventions may include:

Cognition and learning – Memory Magic, Number Stacks, Dandelion Readers, Nessy, Giant Ben 10, Lego Therapy, advice from the Cognition and Learning Team.

Communication and interaction – Speech and language programmes as advised by Speech and Language Therapists, Colourful Semantics, Listening Skills; a structure imposed on aspects of play using ‘Identiplay’ with planned, structured activities and adult modelling.

Social, Emotional and Health Difficulties – Zones of Regulation; social stories; Lego Therapy, Nurture Groups, Place2Talk and Place2Be. We also work with the EWEL (Emotional Wellbeing Team).

Sensory and/or Physical Difficulties – gross motor skill programmes; fine motor skills interventions; advice from the Occupational Therapy Service.

If a child has physical and/or medical needs, then a detailed Individual Healthcare Plan is compiled in close consultation with parents/carers and with support from the relevant medical professionals involved with the child.

Individual Healthcare Plans (including any emergency procedures) are shared and discussed with staff.

Staff receive appropriate training, where required, on an annual basis.

Where necessary and in agreement with parents/ carers, medicines are administered in school but only where a signed Administration of Medication Consent Form is in place to ensure the safety of both child and staff member.

We have members of staff who are trained in the Administration of Medication

We have members of staff who have First Aid Training, including Paediatric First Aid Training.

Risk assessments are completed to support children with complex physical/ medical needs.

For pupils with complex needs, we aim to meet their needs through an Individual Healthcare Plan. This plan is compiled in close consultation with parents/carers and with support from the medical professionals involved with the child e.g. community paediatric nursing team.

Individual Healthcare Plans are reviewed and updated each year or as required. They may include:

• emergency procedures
• risk assessments
• intimate care
• feeding plan
• Parental Agreement for School to Carry Out Procedures
• moving and assisting/handling plans
• Parental Agreement for School to Administer Medication

Copies of these Individual Healthcare Plans are shared with relevant staff and other agencies involved with the care of the child.

Some pupils may require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) written in conjunction with the Site Manager and representative from the LA SEND and Inclusion Service.