(A copy of the full policy is available at the School Office)
Rationale:
Ysgol Friars is committed to a whole-school approach with every department undertaking its responsibility to make the curriculum accessible to all.
Definition:
A child with additional needs is any pupil who requires support or additional preparation because his/her general level of academic attainment is significantly below that of his/her peers. Some may also have a specified learning difficulty, poor social skills, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties or a physical/sensory handicap.
Aim:
To establish a system which fulfils the needs of the 1981, 1988 and 1993 Education Acts and the National Curriculum in order to enable children with additional needs to demonstrate fully what they know, understand and can do.
Objectives:
- To give every child equal opportunity to develop and partake of a curriculum that is relevant, broad, balanced and differentiated whatever his/her educational needs.
- To identify children with additional needs and to ensure that they are stimulated and extended.
- To achieve functional and social integration within a supportive environment.
- To encourage parents/guardians to play a key role in the process of educating children with special educational needs.
- To continue to foster our liaison with external agencies, both statutory and voluntary.
N.B. The school has pupils with a range of disabilities. The school has lifts in some buildings, provides modified furniture and, in conjunction with the L.E.A., learning support assistants for designated pupils.
Admissions Policy:
The School applies the LEA's Policy on Admission to Schools. You can get a copy of this from the Director of Education.
AN Specialism and Building Adaptations:
Lifts are available in three buildings.
Arrangements for Co-ordinating Educational Provision and Resources:
Learning Support Assistants are normally provided by the LEA to support pupils with additional needs or to teach them in smaller groups which allow greater individual attention. Occasionally numbers of pupils with special needs fluctuate and the school cannot guarantee this provision for all pupils, particularly those who are admitted at times other than the start of the academic year. Provision identified in a statement, is met by the Authority.
There will be one representative from every faculty/department on the AN Co-ordinating Panel, chaired by the ANCO (Additional Needs Co-ordinator).
Identification/Assessment/Review:
The school will make full use of the information provided in pupil transfer records or meetings. Individual pupil screening will also be provided upon admission - a procedure which is responsive to parental concerns.
The whole-school Assessment Policy will apply to all pupils with special needs. In addition, their progress will be closely monitored by the ANCO at the AN Panel meetings. A close link with parents is encouraged. The pupils are also consulted and encouraged to take an active role.
An annual review of statemented pupils will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Special Needs Code of Practice Wales 2002.