SEND in STM: a whole-school approach
St Thomas More Catholic High School is a fully inclusive school, supporting all students to achieve their potential personally, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and educationally.
We are a community based upon Christian values, and encourage everyone to strive to do their best. Consequently, as a school we pride ourselves upon the relationships that we develop with all of our students, and understand that knowing each individual is paramount to helping them to progress.
High quality teaching is at the heart of all that we do. We have very high expectations for all of our students and this is embedded within our ethos and regularly discussed with all staff. Quality First Teaching and a differentiated approach to teaching and learning are key and teachers are responsible for every student in their care, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
All students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, illustrating our high aspirations of all. We recognize that some students will need additional advice, support and resources to ensure that they are able to achieve this in mainstream education.
We are very proud of all that we do to support and care for our students with SEND. We also fully understand the value in listening to the views of the young person and their families, and include them in decision-making.
Where can I find out more information about SEND?
· To read the school’s SEND Information report and Local Offer 2023 (detailed information for parents/carers), click here .
· The school’s SEND policy can be read here.
· For the school’s Single Equality Scheme and Accessibility Scheme, please click here.
· North Tyneside’s local offer outlines the provision for children in the authority with additional needs. It can be found using this link:
· Parents can contact the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and support Service (SENDIASS) for impartial information, advice and support in relation to their child’s special educational need and / or disability on tel. 0191 643 8317 or 0191 643 8313.
For further information, you can visit their website: www.sendiassnorthtyneside.org.uk
What types of SEND are provided for at STM?
We have the training and experience to support students with all types of special educational needs and disabilities, across all 4 areas of SEND identified in the Code of Practice.
Including Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD); Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD); Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD); Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Developmental Coordination Disorder.
Including Speech & Language and Communication Needs (SLCN); Developmental Language Delay (DLD); Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) including Asperger’s Syndrome.
Including Vision Impairment (VI); Hearing Impairment (HI); Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI); Physical Disability (PD).
Including Mental Health Difficulties (anxiety, depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders); Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD); Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Attachment Disorder (AD); Trauma.
Who can I contact about SEND?
Laura Warland, Assistant Headteacher Inclusion, is the school’s SENCO.
She can be contacted by email at info@stmacademy.org.uk or by telephone on 0191 258 8340.