We have published a number of FAQs that may be useful to parents relating to our school and SEND provision.
How does Montalbo Nursery and Primary School know if children need extra help?
We identify SEND by liaising with previous schools as well as tracking children’s progress carefully to identify any areas of difficulty. We act decisively on any concerns raised by parents. We have a number of links with external agencies whom we invite to work in school to support children and their teachers. Teachers continually assess each child and notes areas where further support is needed.
What should I do if I think my child has special educational needs?
Talk to us! Firstly, contact your child’s class teacher. If you require more information, contact the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) through the school office. We pride ourselves on building positive relationships with parents—we are open and honest with parents and carers and always want the best outcomes for every child.
How does Montalbo Nursery and Primary School support my child?
Our SENCO closely monitors all provision and progress for any child requiring additional support across the school. The class teacher will oversee, plan and work with each child with SEND in their class and ensure that progress in every area is made. We have teaching assistant support in every class. All work in each class is pitched at the correct level so that children can progress at their own rate.
How will I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child’s learning?
The class teacher will meet with parents at regular points during the year to discuss your child’s needs, support and progress. If your child has an SEN support plan this will be at least once a term in addition to whole school parent’s evenings. We offer an open door policy where you are welcome at any time to make an appointment to speak with the teacher or the SENCO to discuss how your child is progressing. We offer advice and practical ways to help your child at home.
Your child may have an SEN Support Plan in place and therefore outcomes are set, with the expectation that the child will reach the target by the time it is reviewed. If your child has complex SEND, they may have an Education Health Care Plan (formally a statement) which means that a formal annual review will take place to discuss your child’s progress and a report will be written.
What support do you offer for my child’s overall wellbeing?
We are an inclusive school—we welcome and celebrate diversity. All staff appreciate the importance of children having self esteem in order to achieve positive wellbeing. The class teacher has overall responsibility for the pastoral, medical and social care of every child in their class, therefore this will be parents’ first contact. We work alongside Health and Social Services and other support teams when required. The school has a policy regarding the administration of medicines. Parents need to contact Mrs Hauxwell in the school office and complete paperwork to help us administer medicines correctly. School will only be able to administer medicines prescribed by a doctor.
What support is there for improving behaviour, attendance and avoiding exclusion?
As a school, we have a very positive approach to all types of behaviour. We have a clear reward system that is followed by all staff and pupils. After any behaviour incident, we expect the child to reflect on their behaviour with an adult. This helps to identify why the incident has happened and what the child needs to do differently next time to change and improve their behaviour. The attendance of every child is closely monitored and the school works very closely with Education Welfare Officers (EWO). Lateness and absence are recorded and reported. We support parents in every way we can to enable children to get to school on time.
Who do I contact for further information?
Your main point of contact will always be the class teacher and then following this, you may need to speak to the SENC: Mrs Bartoli.
Further information is available from our website www.montalbo.durham.sch.uk or from the County Durham Families Information Service www.countydurhamfamilies.info
The Hub is the one point of contact for all matters relating to support offered to families in the local area. They can be contacted on (03000) 269995.
How does Montalbo Nursery and Primary School know if children need extra help?
We identify SEND by liaising with previous schools as well as tracking children’s progress carefully to identify any under performance. We act decisively on any concerns raised by parents. We have a number of
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail, please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
