SEN and Inclusion
At Merdon Junior School, we believe that every child deserves an education that enables them to reach their full potential. We are committed to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and ensuring they receive high-quality inclusive teaching and provision tailored to their needs. We are an inclusive school, where all teachers are teachers of SEND. We believe that every child, regardless of ability or need, should be valued, respected, and included in all aspects of school life. Our ethos is one of equality and equity, ensuring that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum with appropriate support in place.
If you have any questions regarding Special Educational Needs or our pastoral support, please contact our school to speak to your class teacher or our SENDCo Miss Sambles.
USEFUL SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Hampshire's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer is where parents can find information about the help and services available for children and young people (aged 0 to 25 years) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Hampshire. Information includes:
- Information about the types of education settings available and how they support children with SEND
- Support for families with SEND, including breaks from caring
- Health services, equipment and specific therapies for children with SEND
- Organisations and activities that support the Hampshire Gateway Card scheme
- Local support and activities for children with SEND
Hampshire SENDIASS is an impartial Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) that offers support for children with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) and their parents and carers. They provide confidential, impartial information, advice and support through online resources, at events and workshops, via their helpline service and through individual casework.
Support offered includes:
- Information, advice and support that covers a wide range of topics including: local support networks; education, health and social care services; your own or your child’s rights in education, health and social care; SEN Support; Exclusions; transport; The EHCP process; mediation and dispute resolution; appeals to SEND tribunal.
- Support on a one-to-one basis for any parents or carers who cannot advocate for their children without extra help.
- Information, advice and support around the local offer, local policy and SEND law.
- Signposting to alternative and additional sources of local and national information, advice and support.
https://www.hampshiresendiass.co.uk/
Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is an NHS specialist service that aims to help young people aged 5 -18 years and their families who are finding it hard to manage their emotional and psychological health, and who are suffering with acute, chronic and severe mental health problems. Parents can refer to CAMHs directly from the website, where their child meets the criteria for support. The website also offers excellent advice and resources to support with issues such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, low mood, trauma, behaviour, mental health, gender identity and sleep.
https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/help/parents-carers/
The Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) is an organisation working throughout the county whose members are parent carers of children and young people with additional needs aged 0-25 years, associated professionals, and affiliated groups. They offer:
- Information on local SEND opportunities via a monthly newsletter
- Training opportunities for parents of children with SEND
- Face-to-face and virtual get togethers with other parents and professionals
- Advice, support and guidance on individual needs (Bridging the Gap)
Whether you want to understand more about your child's mental health, find the right help for them or hear from other parents who've been there, Young Minds’ guides can help. They have:
- Advice on mental health conditions
- Guides to mental health services
- Advice on talking to your child
- Individual support through their parent helpline