SEND

At Sheffield Springs Academy, we believe that every child matters. We are proud of our inclusive approach and are committed to supporting all students so they feel safe, valued, and able to achieve their best. 

Wherever possible, children with additional needs are supported to learn in mainstream lessons alongside their peers. This allows them to build friendships, feel included, and benefit from high‑quality teaching, while receiving the right support to help them succeed. 

Our staff care deeply about the children they work with and receive regular training to help them understand and meet a wide range of needs. We work closely with families and follow the DfE SEND Code of Practice (2015) to ensure your child receives the care, understanding, and support they deserve. 

We understand that children develop in different ways and at different rates. Sometimes, a child may need a little extra help, and we are here to listen and act early. 

We may identify a possible Special Educational Need through: 

• Your concerns as a parent or carer
• Your child making slower progress than expected
• Difficulties with learning, communication, or behaviour
• Emotional challenges or changes in behaviour
• Information shared by staff or external professionals
• Life events that may affect wellbeing, such as bereavement or bullying 

Once concerns are raised, a member of our SEND team will work closely with you to gain a full picture of your child. This includes assessments, observations, and listening carefully to your views.

We use a graduated approach called Assess, Plan, Do, Review. This means: 

• We assess your child’s needs
• Plan support together with families
• Put support in place
• Review progress regularly and make changes if needed 

Support is always personalised and is reviewed carefully to ensure it is helping your child both academically and emotionally. 

We support children across the four areas of need outlined in the SEND Code of Practice: 

• Cognition and learning
• Communication and interaction
• Sensory and/or physical needs
• Social, emotional and mental health 

Depending on your child’s needs, support may include: 

• A dedicated Specialist Learning Coach who understands your child’s needs and provides consistent support
• High-quality classroom teaching, with reasonable adjustments informed by a pupil passport
• Small group or individual interventions, reviewed regularly to check impact
• Support from external professionals, such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, CAMHS, or Educational Psychology
• Ongoing communication with families so you are always informed and involved 

We know that parents and carers know their children best, and we value your insight. Termly review meetings are held with you and your child to talk through progress, celebrate successes, and agree next steps together. 

If, despite the support in place, your child continues to experience significant difficulties, we may discuss applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This decision is always made carefully, with families fully involved, and supported by clear evidence of the help already provided.

At Sheffield Springs Academy, we are committed to: 

• Putting your child at the heart of everything we do
• Working in partnership with families
• Listening, caring, and responding with compassion
• Supporting your child to feel confident, included, and successful 

If you ever have questions or concerns, our SEND team is always happy to talk and provide guidance 

Assistant Principal – SEND/SENCO – Erica.mccabe@sheffieldsprings.org  

Deputy SENCO – Astrid.griffiths@sheffieldsprings.org