SEN Specialist Expertise

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) works closely with teachers, support staff, parents/carers, pupils and external agencies to ensure that children with SEND receive high-quality provision that enables them to achieve their full potential. The SENDCo provides advice, guidance and support to staff, coordinates provision across the school, monitors progress and supports the identification, assessment and review of pupils’ needs.

The SENDCo regularly attends Local Authority and professional network meetings to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current SEND legislation, guidance and best practice. This ensures that Ribbon Academy remains informed of developments in SEND and inclusion and is able to continuously enhance the support available to pupils and families.

Ribbon Academy is committed to developing the expertise of all staff through a comprehensive programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Training is carefully planned to meet the needs of our pupils and to ensure that staff have the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality inclusive teaching and targeted support.

Whole-school and specialist training may include:

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Autism and neurodiversity awareness.
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Attachment-aware and trauma-informed approaches.
• ADHD and executive functioning needs.
• Dyslexia, dyscalculia and other specific learning difficulties.
• Adaptive teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
• Positive behaviour support and regulation strategies.
• Medical needs, including asthma management, allergy awareness and emergency procedures.
• Safeguarding vulnerable pupils.

Ribbon Academy is proud to participate in the Neurodivergence in Schools Project (NISP). Through this project, staff have benefited from specialist consultation clinics and professional discussions which have enhanced their understanding of neurodiversity and strengthened inclusive classroom practice. The project has provided opportunities for staff to explore individual pupil needs, develop effective support strategies and further refine provision for neurodivergent learners.

As part of our involvement in NISP, parents and carers have also been able to access specialist advice and support clinics. This collaborative approach supports stronger home-school partnerships and helps families to better understand and support their child’s strengths, differences and individual needs.

As a BEAT Asthma Accredited School, staff receive regular training to support pupils with asthma and other medical needs, ensuring they can participate fully and safely in school life. Staff are also trained in the use of adrenaline auto-injectors, including those held within the school’s Kitt Medical emergency anaphylaxis kits.

In addition to internal expertise, staff access specialist training and advice from external professionals where appropriate. The school works collaboratively with a range of services, including Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Health Professionals, Durham SEND and Inclusion Services, Durham Virtual School and other specialist support agencies.

The school places a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing and recognises that some pupils with SEND may require additional pastoral support. Through our nurturing school ethos, targeted interventions and partnership with Place2Be, pupils can access support to develop resilience, emotional regulation, confidence and positive relationships.

Teachers remain responsible for the progress and development of all pupils in their class, including those with SEND. Through ongoing training, professional collaboration and reflective practice, staff are equipped to identify barriers to learning, adapt provision effectively and ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

At Ribbon Academy, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where neurodiversity is valued, individual strengths are recognised and every child is supported to achieve success, develop independence and realise their full potential.