Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)

We are proud that our school is an inclusive school which caters for a wide range of children’s needs as well as abilities. SEND is coordinated by Miss Hussey. It is a leadership and managerial role and she works alongside class teachers and support staff to guide and oversee provision for pupils with an identified special educational need. Miss Hussey can be contacted via the school office (click here for details) or via the new SEND email address: SEND@puritonprimaryschool.org.uk

Somerset’s SEND Local Offer is our local hub of information and guidance for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), their families and professionals in Somerset. Explore services available to support you and how to access them here:  Somerset’s SEND Local Offer

The most recent Ofsted (May 2023) praised the support provided for pupils with SEND: “Well-targeted support ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well.  This is a strength of the school across the whole curriculum.“

We have good liaison with a range of school support services.  Our parent family support worker Mrs John, contributes to supporting a range of children and their families. A wide range of support sheets for families have been developed and Miss Williams is available to meet parents to discuss any SEND related issues.  Please make contact to book an appointment.

Further information

• The school report on SEND including access arrangements for pupils with SEND/EHCPs
• SEND policy
• School accessibility plan
• Our new sensory room

Have a look at the information on our new sensory room. A big thank you to all of our local community for their support in helping to build and resource this room.

During difficult times, many of us are struggling with our wellbeing and mental health. Below you will find a list of helpful websites which offer support for a wide range of reasons.  Click on the link below to access the resources.

• Useful websites

Additional websites which can provide support: 

• National Autistic Society – The main UK charity supporting autistic people and their families, with lots of useful advice and resources.
• Attention Autism – Information about Attention Autism and how you can support your child to develop attention and turn-taking skills.
• Widgit Resources – Symbol-supported resources covering different topics and areas of life, including fire safety and visiting doctors and dentists.
• IASS Network – Advice and support for parents of children with special educational needs (SEN).
• Autism UK – Information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Down’s Syndrome Association – Advice and support, including booklets to help with independent toileting, sleeping and managing behaviour.
• Autism Speaks – A comprehensive website with a useful resource library.
• YoungMinds – Help for Parents – Advice on supporting children with mental health needs.
• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – Helpful information and support for people with sight loss.
• Royal Association for Deaf People – Information and support for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments.
• Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) – Free, legally based advice on special educational needs and disability (SEND).

Useful, fun websites with highly visual games for using with your children to consolidate early skills:

• Starfall
• ICT Games
• Topmarks
• Crickweb