SEN & Disabilities

At Harris Primary Academy Merton we take students' individual educational needs very seriously. We understand that not every child learns in the same way, nor at the same pace. Due to this there are a number of provisions in place to help our children learn at the best of their ability.Under the new code children with complex Special Educational Needs will be given an Educational Health Care plan (EHC). For some students this will mean being educated in a specialist provision. Where it is felt that these children can still be educated in a mainstream setting, the support outlined in the EHC plan will be provided by the Academy in collaboration with the Local Authority. We are very proud to hold the Inclusion Quality Mark Centre Of Excellence Award. 

It is the responsibility of the Academy to provide for all other children with additional needs.

SEN will now be categorised under four main headings.

1. Communication and Interaction - this includes speech, language and communication needs and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

2. Cognition and Learning - this includes specific learning difficulties.

3. Social, emotional and mental health.

4. Sensory needs - this includes visual and hearing impairments.

The code of practice explains that once a potential SEN is identified, four types of action are needed to put effective support into place. The four actions are;

1. Assess; the class teacher and SENCO should clearly analyse a pupil's needs before identifying a child as needing SEN support.

2. Plan; parents must be notified wherever it is decided that a pupil is to be provided with SEN support. The class teacher, the SENCO and parents should collaborate on problem solving, planning, support and strategies.

3. Do; implement the agreed support and set a date for a review.

4. Review; the effectiveness of the support should be reviewed in line with the agreed date.

Our Plan

For most of those that have SEN their needs can be met within the classroom with quality teaching and clear differentiation. For those that require additional support or a more specific type of support we will continue to involve outside agencies such as Educational Psychologists and Speech and Language therapists.

We have a number of specific Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistants. They will aim to help those within the classroom that need help in certain areas such as maths and literacy. This will be delivered on a half termly basis.

SEND Information Report

Our SEND Information report is available below.

The SEND local offer for Merton can be found by clicking here.

Additionally Resourced Provisions Unit

Within the Academy we have an Additionally Resourced Provisions Unit (ARP) that aims to help those that are on the autistic spectrum or have severe speech, language and communication disorders.

We have a wonderful team working within the unit who work with the children on a 1:2 or 1:3 basis helping them to learn in ways that best suit their individual needs.

Many of the children in the ARP struggle to remain in a full time mainstream setting, however, we ensure we provide them opportuniites to attend specific lessons with their mainstream peers. 

If you would like to discuss the ARP please contact Adriana Verrecchia at a.verrecchia@harrisprimarymerton.org.uk

The SEND local offer for Merton can be found by clicking here.

Developing the Local Offer

If you would like to suggest any information to add which would support you as a parent or young person, or have any comments or feedback about the Merton Local Offer, please do get in touch. You can use the Contact form or send an email to localoffer@merton.gov.uk 

Complaints Procedures

If any parent is concerned about the provision for the SEND in the Academy they should contact the SENCO in the first matter or refer it to the appropriate person.

Should the parent not be happy with the outcome, the complaint should be put in writing and addressed to the Head of Academy, Miss Nicole Liddicoat. You may also contact the School Governor with responsibility for SEND. Her name is Rebecca Bagguley and she can be contacted via email through the school office.