SEND - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES
The SEND department looks to support the well-being of students at a universal level as well as offering targeted interventions.
The SEND SEMH team is led by Mr Hilton. Heads of Year need to refer students to the programmes and interventions with the team. The interventions that happen use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, which focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour; and teaches students coping skills for dealing with different problems.
The SEND SEMH support has two aims:
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To support students with issues around mental health and wellbeing.
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To intervene with students who are ‘not getting it right’ regarding their attitude to learning and behaviour.
Programmes and Interventions
Students can access a graduated response to SEMH and behavioural concerns.
The Positive support programme seeks to reduce challenging and maladaptive behaviours and reduce behavioural incidents, especially those leading to Reflections. We attempt to empower all young people to develop the fundamental social and emotional learning skills, which will enable them to make positive choices throughout life.
Wellbeing support intervention involves working in small groups or one-to-one with a member of Educational Support Staff and working through issues that are causing distress. Students are taught coping strategies for issues such as low mood, worry, anxiety and phobias.
Our work includes programmes such as:
Anxiety and Resilience: This is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach to positively modify the everyday thoughts and behaviours of young people. Combining a summary of CBT principles and step-by-step guidelines on how to use the materials appropriately with a mixture of games, handouts, activities and therapeutic exercises. The programme is designed to encourage resilience and self-esteem and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Exam Anxiety Support: Students meet in a small group and work through strategies to help them feel better prepared for upcoming exams. The course involves looking at what is happening in our bodies when we feel stress, and moves onto understanding personal triggers, as well as ways we can feel better able to cope and practical strategies.
Mentoring: is to support and encourage students to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be. Education Support Staff monitor the students and touch-base regularly to ensure the student is doing well.
ELSA Equivalent (Secondary ELSA): a short programme of intervention developed by trained staff to foster emotional resilience, recognition and acceptance of feeling and self-regulation strategies
Counselling: Following a graduated approach, our in-house counsellor can offer targeted support needed for mental health concerns at a higher level of need.
Other support
Drop in sessions: The SEND area is open every day for break and lunch. Students can drop in at any time to talk to our Education Support Staff.
A programme of break and lunch mindfulness activities encourage students to use mindfulness techniques as well as develop self-regulation and social skills
Referral to outside agencies: After the graduated approach we can refer to other agencies such as CAMHS if necessary to access further support and guidance for students.