SEND

At River Tees Hospital School, we support pupils with a wide range of Special Educational Needs (SEN). 

Our focus includes:

Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs

Cognition and Learning Needs

Communication and Interaction Needs

Physical and Sensory Needs

We believe that all pupils, regardless of ability, deserve access to a broad and balanced curriculum that is suitably adapted to meet their individual needs. Our teachers are committed to being inclusive and incorporate a variety of activities within their lessons to engage all pupils.

We maintain a SEND register that identifies all pupils receiving additional support beyond what is provided through quality first teaching. These pupils are supported through a Personal Development Plan or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

For some pupils, a statutory assessment may be necessary. If these pupils are with us on a short-term basis and are dual registered, the responsibility for requesting this assessment lies with the home school. Our SEND team will work closely with these schools to offer support and provide additional written evidence. If a pupil is single registered with us, the SEND team will initiate the request and utilise information obtained from other services.

We value open communication with parents and carers. If you would like to get in touch, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Parents and carers are involved in the SEND process in the following ways:

• During the pupil’s admission meeting, where they can share information about the pupil’s special educational needs.
• At placement review meetings.
• Through collaborative work on Personal Development Plans and subsequent reviews.
• Via text, phone, or face-to-face meetings as required.

Assess

When a pupil begins their journey with us, initial assessments will help identify any Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) concerns through:

• Referral forms and documentation
• Discussions with the learner, parents/carers, previous educational settings, and any relevant outside agencies
• Screening and observations

Please note that at any point during a pupil’s journey, staff may recognise unmet needs through observations or discussions, or if there are concerns about a lack of progress despite targeted interventions. At this stage, a referral should be made to the SEND team using the SEND Concern Form. Submitting this form will initiate a formal process to begin a graduated response.

Plan

If no SEND concerns are identified, pupils will be integrated under our universal offer of quality first teaching.

When SEND concerns are identified, we communicate these promptly to relevant staff members, including the class teacher/tutor and the SEND team. Ongoing observations of the pupil will be conducted, alongside the implementation of appropriate strategies and provisions.

If a definite SEND concern is established, we will engage in discussions with parents and carers, along with the SEND team. The child will then be added to the SEND register, and their Personal Development Plan will be updated to outline the necessary provisions and interventions.

We actively invite pupils with SEND to participate in discussions with staff to formulate their own outcomes for their Personal Development Plan. This collaborative approach ensures that both the pupil and their parent/carer are involved in the process, fostering a supportive environment for achieving their goals.

Do

Implement the planned provisions, adjusting and personalising as needed to support the pupil effectively.

Review

A termly SEND review will be led by the SENDCO, involving parents/carers and the pupil. During this review, the outcomes of the Personal Development Plan will be assessed and signed off.

Agencies and Partnerships

At River Tees Hospital School, we maintain strong relationships with a variety of professionals to provide additional support for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our key partnerships include:

• Educational Psychologists
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Children’s Social Care and Early Help Services
• Occupational Therapy (support provided by Future Steps)
• Local Authority SEND Team
• Speech and Language Therapy

Our SEND Coordinator (SENDCO) can make referrals to these partner services when appropriate, ensuring that each pupil receives the tailored support they need.

We also collaborate closely with other educational providers to facilitate successful transitions for pupils, whether they are joining us or moving on to the next stage of their education.

SEND Information Report

Please find our SEND Information Report here

Useful Links

SEND Code of Practice

Middlesbrough SEND Local Offer

Redcar and Cleveland SEND Local Offer