SEND
SEND is an acronym which stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability. We believe in offering all our pupils a fully inclusive learning experience. We are committed to providing educational opportunities which will help all our pupils reach their full potential
If you have any questions about your child’s Special Education Need or Disability please contact our SENCo, Mrs Katie Andrews, on senco@ashwell.herts.sch.uk or contact the school office on info@ashwell.herts.sch.uk .
Further information about how we support pupils with SEND can be found in our SEN Information report (see below) which includes information on: how we support in identifying special educational needs; how we match learning and development provision to your child’s needs; and how we involve you as a central part in every aspect.
We work closely with the Local Authority to ensure we access all support available to us locally, where appropriate. The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. Click here to access their website.
The local authority has worked with parent groups, the NHS and family networks to create the following Handbook ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child” - Supporting Your Neurodiverse Child
Further Support for Parents
At Ashwell School, we place great importance on building strong, supportive relationships with parents and carers. We hold regular events where families can connect with one another and find out about local services and support. We know that parents know their children best, so we take time to get to know our families and work closely together to ensure every child receives the care and opportunities they need to thrive. Each week, our SENCo distributes a signposting email that shares information about local support, including parent courses, webinars, and updates about SEND provision in school. All parents are welcome to opt in to receive this email.
Below are additional links to further information you might find helpful:
Neurodiversity Support:
Dyslexia:
Dyscalculia:
NHS Speech and Language Support:
NHS Occupational Therapy Support:
Local Support for parents of children with Autism/ADHD:
Ordinarily Available Provision
Hertfordshire’s Ordinarily Available Provision guidance has been developed to support early years settings, mainstream schools, and colleges to reflect on and strengthen their provision for all children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At Ashwell School, we work hard to ensure that the examples of adaptations and reasonable adjustments are part and parcel of everyday high-quality inclusive provision. Section one of the guidance details strategies, approaches to teaching, and adaptations to the learning environment to support schools create a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children and young people. Section two explores other more deliberate and targeted approaches across the four broad areas of need.
ordinarily-available-provision-guidance-sep25
Ashwell School is part of DSPL1 (Designating Specialist Provision Locally), which covers North Hertfordshire. Click here to visit their website, for a wide range of information and guidance on the support available locally.
They have an excellent, extensive parent guide to all things SEND in our area and this can be found here: https://nhdspl.org.uk/autism/signposted-events.html
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. Click here to access their website.
Families First is the term used in Hertfordshire for services that work together to support families who need extra help. These are also known as Early Help services.
We all experience difficulties at some point. Families First can help you find early help and information to prevent issues from getting worse.
If you need more help than your usual support network – for example your health visitor, school, doctor or family centre –
Families First can work with you and your family to create a package of support. Click here to visit their website.
Mrs Andrews is the ‘Designated Teacher’ for those children either currently being or having previously been looked after by the local authority. Part of this role also involves supporting children who are known to, or who have ever been known to a Social Worker. For information and resources to support your child’s education please visit the Hertfordshire Virtual School website.