Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Our Commitment to Inclusive Education

At Waterside Academy, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our vision of "Today's learning for tomorrow's world" is underpinned by our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their individual needs or abilities.

Our SEND Approach

Our SEND approach is guided by the principles of the SEND Code of Practise and the Equality Act 2010. We work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to identify and address the specific needs of each child, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and adjustments to access the curriculum and thrive in our school community.

SEND Support at Waterside Academy

Our dedicated SEND team, led by our experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Mrs. Lois Jarrod, works to ensure that every child with SEND receives the support they need. This includes:

• Comprehensive assessments to identify individual needs
• Tailored learning plans and targeted interventions
• Access to specialist equipment and resources
• Collaboration with external agencies, such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists
• Regular reviews and updates to ensure the effectiveness of the support provided

Inclusive Opportunities

At Waterside Academy, we believe that inclusive education goes beyond the classroom. We strive to provide a wide range of inclusive opportunities for our students with SEND, including:

• Participation in extracurricular activities and school clubs
• Involvement in school events and performances
• Opportunities for leadership and responsibility, such as the school council
• Access to enrichment activities, including educational visits and residential trips

Parental Engagement

We recognise the crucial role that parents and carers play in supporting the education and development of children with SEND. We encourage active engagement and communication and welcome the opportunity to work closely with families to ensure the best possible outcomes for their children.

Policies and Governance

Our SEND policy can be found in the Policies section of our website. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's needs, please contact our SENCO, Mrs. Lois Jarrod, at LJ@waterside.herts.sch.uk .

In Hertfordshire we have levels of support for children in education according to their needs. The levels start with support in mainstream education and go up through a range of specialist provisions.  This is called a ‘Graduated Response’. 

The Local Offer, with details of all the SEN and disability services that Hertfordshire offers, can be found at this address: 

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/the-hertfordshire-local-offer.aspx  

Hertfordshire SENDIASS is an impartial Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service and their website is: 

https://www.hertssendiass.org.uk/home.aspx  

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