SEND

Ms Emma Wakefield

Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) / SENDCo

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Bridge Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator, also known as the SENDCo. I also wanted to answer a few common questions around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and ensure that you have the necessary details to contact me for any SEND related queries.

My Role and Experience

I joined The Bridge Secondary School in September 2022 as Key Stage 3 teacher, having previously been a SENDCo in a number of local schools over the past 16 years. I have undertaken additional training in a number of areas including: Behaviour and Culture; Dyslexia; Autism; ADHD; Sensory Processing Difficulties; Trauma Informed Practice and Emotion Coaching. I am really excited to have been appointed as the new SEND Leader across both the Primary and Secondary sites.

Education, Health and Care Plans

A large proportion of my work involves gathering evidence and applying for Education, Health and Care Plans to support our pupils and facilitate transition to new settings. More information on Education, Health and Care Plans can be found at Staffordshire Connects | EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans), Assessments and Reviews.

Neurodiversity

A common misconception around special educational needs is that this refers solely to cognition or learning difficulties. Special Educational Needs also covers:

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD);
Communication and Interaction difficulties (such as Autism Spectrum Condition ASC); and
Sensory and Physical difficulties

Referral to specialist agencies for assessment of potential neurodiversity (such as ADHD or Autism) can be completed by the school.

Further information about Autism and the assessment process at: Children and Young People’s Autism Service :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (mpft.nhs.uk)
Further information about Mental Health and ADHD can be found at: Staffordshire Connects | CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) South Staffs

Reports

SEND Information Report

Contact Details

If you have any questions about your child regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and you want to talk further about these, then please contact me via the School Office: 01543 255872 or via email emma.wakefield@bridge.staffs.sch.uk

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: The Arthur Terry School, Kittoe Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 4RZ

Tel: 0121 323 1134

CEO Richard Gill CBE NPQH, NLE, FRSA

Company Number 07730920.

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is committed to keeping our students safe, both in school and the wider community. As part of our safeguarding arrangements, we have a two-way information sharing agreement in place with the local police authority. The agreement is compliant with Crime & Disorder Act 1998 (s.115) and Data Protection Act 1998(s.29.3; s.35.2.), and focuses on preventing young people from becoming involved or further involved in crime and anti-social behaviour as a victim or offender.

If you have any queries about the partnership policy, please contact Mrs S Bailey, ATLP Safeguarding Lead.