SEND

For some it may be just for a short time, to overcome a problem with a difficult topic in class, for example, or to deal with a social or emotional situation. For others the needs will be with them for the whole of their school life if they have medical needs or a broader learning difficulty. Such children may be supported in the classroom individually or in a small group by the teacher or by one of our team of teaching assistants.

Sometimes this support is given outside the classroom activity. Sometimes it is not work-related at all and support is given whenever might be appropriate. Sometimes children will follow a programme of learning in literacy or numeracy in particular which differs slightly from that of their class.

If the learning difficulty is more general, then the class teacher will plan a personalised programme of work for the child that may involve extra adult support. This will be discussed with parents and reviewed termly through an Individual My Plan. If we feel unable to provide adequately for the specific needs of the child, then we may involve other agencies for specific support e.g. speech therapy, educational psychology etc.

If parents have any concerns, questions or information about their child, then it is vital this information is shared with school staff. We aim to work in close partnership with parents to ensure we meet the needs of all children.

In a very few cases it may be decided to seek a Formal Assessment by a group of outside Agencies which may lead to the issuing of an Educational Health & Care Plan (EHCP). Parents are always kept involved and informed at every stage of the process.

SEND Information & Local Offer

Under the Children and Families Act (2014), Local Authorities are required to publish, and keep under review, information about the services and support available for children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). The local offer covers provision for children and young people with SEND from birth to 25 and includes information on education, health and social care services and how to access them.

For information on local services and support within Dorset please click here:

As part of this local offer, schools must publish a SEND information report that includes information for identifying, assessing and making provision for pupils with SEND. This needs to be published on the school’s website, kept up-to-date with changes and revised at least annually. The requirements are set out in the SEN Code of Practice.

For more detailed information about what additional support we can offer you and your child, please read the school’s “Special Educational Needs and Disabilities” (SEND) Information Report below. Our SEND Policy outlines our commitment to supporting children with SEND at Thorncombe St Mary's CE Primary Academy and can be found in the policy section of this website and below. 

SEND Information Report 2024-25

Who We Are

The Acorn Academy Trust comprises Axminster Primary; Loders Primary; Marshwood CE Primary; Membury Primary; Mrs Ethelston’s CE Primary, St. Andrew’s CE Primary and Thorncombe St Mary’s CE Primary.

Our Vision

The schools share the common vision of working to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school.  We will use our best endeavours to support all children to enable them to be successful at school.  In order to achieve this we provide highest quality teaching, a wide range of support and interventions using specialist staff within the Multi-Academy Trust as well as working with external agencies.

Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)

In each of the schools all staff are teachers of children with Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities.  We are committed to ensuring that all children with SEN learn successfully and achieve the best possible educational and developmental outcomes.

To do this we:

  • Involve parents/carers in the process of identification, support and review and welcome their input. Work with other agencies to provide support for parents/carers and children.

  • Provide high quality teaching and provision to meet the needs of children with SEN.

  • Support children and parents/carers through transitions to new settings.

  • Work collaboratively within the Acorn Multi-Academy Trust.

Head of School & SENCo

Mrs Jessica Evans

SEN Governor

Mrs Georgia McMenemy

Downloads & Useful Links

SEND Policy