I would like to take this time to update yourselves on the work of our SEND team this term.
As a school we have a focus this term on ensuring staff have the tools and knowledge to meet the needs of students with either a diagnosis of ADHD or signs of ADHD. All staff have received an expert led training session on ADHD at the start of the year and receive regular updates on ADHD through our whole staff SEND briefings. Leadership meetings have a weekly SEND focus where attainment tracking of SEND students is discussed; feedback from SENCo led learning walks are shared; and some high profile needs of SEND students are explained so that our subject leaders have expert knowledge of our students as well. We have a coffee morning on the 9th of November, starting at 10.00, with an expert ADHD lead from the community booked to come in, Ms Nora Young. This morning session is aimed at parents who have a child with an ADHD diagnosis or who have a child with poor concentration skills and hyperactivity. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to this event where there will be tea and coffee served as well. We have also invited our Educational Psychologist, CAT team worker and PSS officer in for a coffee morning on the 15th of November. This coffee morning starts at 9.30 and will be open to all parents of students on our SEND register. It will be a chance to hear about the different external agencies we work with, get to know their role and ask them any questions you may have about your child.
We are in the process of recruiting a further 2 Teaching Assistants to join our team and have had a record number of applications for these roles. We are hopeful that with this additional support we can provide further in class support to our most vulnerable learners across a wider curriculum. Retiring at the end of the month will be Mrs Reynolds who has been with the team for over 27 years. Her dedication, compassion and thoughtfulness are remarkable characteristics and as a school we wish her well in her retirement. She has helped so many students over the years and if anyone would like to pass on farewell wishes to Mrs Reynolds then please do come into reception or phone reception so we can pass those on.
For this academic year we have updated the SEND information page and our accessibility policy as well. Please do have a look at these on our website: SEND Information – Erdington Academy. You will also find lots of helpful guidance on different areas of needs and updates from the wider community about help and further support available.
Kind regards,
Ms J Hunt
Assistant Principal
