Sir Thomas Wharton Academy and Maltby Learning Trust are committed to providing an appropriate and high quality education for all of our students. All students, including those identified as having special educational needs, have a common entitlement to a broad and balanced academic and social curriculum, which is accessible to them, and to be fully included in all aspects of Academy life.

All students are valued equally. We strive to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to develop an environment where people can flourish and feel safe. All students will be supported and challenged to achieve better than expected progress, through high level support. This does not mean that we treat all learners in the same way, but rather, that we respond to learners in ways which take account of their varied life experiences and needs.

Educational inclusion is about equal opportunities for all learners, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, impairment, attainment and background. We pay particular attention to the provision for and the achievement of different groups of learners:

• Girls and boys.
• Minority ethnic and faith groups, travellers, asylum seekers and refugees.
• Learners who need support to learn English as an additional language (EAL).
• Learners with special educational needs.
• Learners who are disabled.
• Those who are looked after by the LA.
• Others such as those who are sick; those who are young carers; those in families under stress; those on free meals.

Special educational needs and disabilities provision is educational or training provision that is additional to or different from that made generally for others of the same age. This means provision that goes beyond the differentiated approaches and learning arrangements normally provided as part of high quality, personalised teaching. It may take the form of additional support from within the setting or require the involvement of specialist staff or support services.

Maltby Learning Trust has arrangements in place to identify the need for and secure such provision, whether through expertise and resources available within the Trust or by drawing on support from outside services.

The Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) team at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy facilitates and coordinates the whole Academy approach to special educational needs. The SEND team includes the SENDCO and Learning Support Assistants working in partnership with the classroom teachers.
 

Complaints about SEND provision

The school encourages parents to voice any concerns that arise. We aim to solve issues swiftly and in person, with the aim of reaching a mutual agreement and understanding.

A parent’s first point of contact should be the subject teacher. Teaching staff are always happy to discuss student progress and attainment at any given point in the year. Parents can also contact the school Assistant SENDCo/SENDCo who would be happy to answer any questions or concerns.

Parents who wish to make a complaint regarding SEND provision are strongly encouraged to speak to the Assistant SENDCo/SENDCo in the first instance. If the issue cannot be resolved at this level or the complaint is about the Principal the parent would be directed to the school's complaints procedure.

For more information on how Sir Thomas Wharton Academy provides an inspirational learning experience for young people who have special educational needs, please contact the SEND team at the academy.