SEND
Hazel Wood SEND Vision
At Hazel Wood Infant School, we are proud to be a fully inclusive school where every child is welcomed, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential. We celebrate the individuality of our pupils and are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of ability or need, have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Our staff and governors work together to create a happy, nurturing, and secure environment in which children feel respected, confident, and ready to learn. We believe that every child has the right to access a broad, balanced, and inspiring curriculum that is tailored to meet their individual needs while reflecting our core learning values of Teamwork, Creativity, Independence, and Resilience.
We recognise that children learn in different ways and at different rates. Our curriculum is flexible and carefully adapted to ensure that all pupils can access learning, make progress, and experience success. Through high-quality teaching and targeted support, we aim to remove barriers to learning and enable every child to flourish.
Our inclusive practice is underpinned by three key principles:
- Setting appropriate and achievable learning challenges for all pupils
- Responding effectively to the diverse needs of every child
- Identifying and overcoming barriers to learning and assessment
We understand that every child’s development is unique. While many factors influence progress, some children may require additional support at different stages of their education. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may receive provision that is additional to or different from that provided for their peers.
This support may be short-term or long-term and may address a single area of need or a combination of needs. Our goal is to ensure that every child receives the appropriate support, guidance, and opportunities needed to succeed both academically and personally.
Our SENDCO
Abby Davey – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCO)
I am proud to be the SENDCO at Hazel Wood Infant School. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we work closely together as a school community to ensure that every child has the support and provision they need to access the curriculum, develop confidence, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
A key aspect of my role is building strong partnerships with parents and carers. We believe that open communication is essential in supporting children effectively, and we maintain an open-door approach to encourage collaboration, discussion, and shared understanding of each child's needs.
In accordance with the SEND Code of Practice, my responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school's SEND policy
- Coordinating provision for pupils with SEND
- Liaising with the relevant designated teacher where a looked-after child has SEND
- Advising staff on the graduated approach to SEND support
- Supporting the effective use of the school's delegated budget and resources to meet pupils' needs
- Working closely with parents and carers of children with SEND
- Liaising with early years providers, schools, educational psychologists, health and social care professionals, and voluntary organisations
- Acting as a key point of contact for external agencies, including the local authority and support services
- Supporting transition arrangements and liaising with future education providers to ensure smooth transitions for pupils and their families
- Working alongside the Headteacher and Governors to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, including reasonable adjustments and access arrangements
- Ensuring that accurate and up-to-date records are maintained for all pupils with SEND
At Hazel Wood Infant School, we believe that strong partnerships between families, school staff, and external professionals are essential in ensuring the best possible outcomes for our children. Together, we are committed to helping every child reach their full potential and enjoy a positive, successful school experience.