Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Lyde Green Community School is an inclusive school that supports a wide range of educational needs. Inclusion is central to our ethos, and we are committed to ensuring that every student is known, supported and able to succeed.
SENDCo: Mrs Lou Roscoe Email: louise.roscoe@olympustrust.co.uk
Learning Support
Our Learning Support Team supports students with a range of needs, including:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Medical needs
- Young Carers
- Children in Care (CiC) and Previously Looked After Children (PLAC)
- Students with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- SEND Policy
- SEND Information Report 2026 to 2027
- Parent Learning Support Booklet, including the Local Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SEND?
A student has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires additional provision to support their learning.
SEND may affect students in a range of ways, including:
- Understanding and processing information
- Reading, writing and numeracy
- Attention, concentration and organisation
- Communication and interaction
- Emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem
- Managing feelings and behaviour
- Physical, sensory or medical needs
Every student is unique. Our role is to identify needs early, provide appropriate support and work in partnership with families so that all students can thrive.
What other learning needs might a student have?
Not all barriers to learning are related to SEND. Some students may need additional support because English is an additional language, they have experienced interruptions to their education, or their learning has been affected by circumstances.
The Learning Support Team also works closely with students in care, previously looked-after students, and those with medical needs to ensure they are fully included and supported throughout their time at school.
What happens if my child is finding learning difficult?
All teachers at Lyde Green Community School are responsible for meeting the needs of the students they teach through high-quality, inclusive classroom practice.
If a student is finding learning more challenging than expected:
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Teachers will adapt teaching and provide additional support within the classroom
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Concerns will be discussed with the Year Team and Learning Support Team
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Strategies will be put in place, and progress will be carefully reviewed
In many cases, this additional support is enough to help a student make expected progress.
If concerns continue, a referral may be made to the Learning Support Team. We will work closely with you to understand your child’s strengths and areas of need. Further assessment may be carried out and additional support planned.
At this stage, your child may be identified as receiving SEND Support and added to the SEND Register.
What support might be available?
Support will always be tailored to individual needs and may include:
- Adapted teaching strategies and classroom support
- Targeted intervention programmes
- Assistive technology
- Assessments to identify specific needs
- Additional adult support where appropriate
- Guidance and support for teachers
Where needed, we may involve external professionals. We will always discuss this with you beforehand and ensure that you are involved in decision-making.
What happens if my child has more complex needs?
Some students require a higher level of support over a longer period of time. Where this is the case, we may:
- Develop a personalised Individual Learning Plan
- Hold regular review meetings
- Work with specialist professionals such as Educational Psychologists or Speech and Language Therapists
- Consider whether an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment may be appropriate
Our aim is to ensure that support is coordinated, effective and centred around the needs of the student.
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines a student’s needs and the provision required to meet them.
Requests for an assessment can be made by parents, carers, the school or other professionals.
If you would like to discuss whether this may be appropriate, please contact the Learning Support Team.
How do we work with families?
We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when schools and families work together.
Parents and carers know their children best, and your views are an important part of understanding and meeting your child’s needs.
We will keep you informed through:
- Parents’ evenings
- Reports
- Learning Support meetings
- Ongoing communication with staff
We encourage families to contact us at any time with questions or concerns about their child’s learning or wellbeing.
Learning Support Contacts
If you would like to discuss your child’s needs or find out more about the support available, please contact:
- Lou Roscoe, SENDCo: louise.roscoe@olympustrust.co.uk
- Laura Sutton, Pastoral Manager: laura.sutton@olympustrust.co.uk
Additional Support
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students with EAL bring valuable skills and experiences to our school. While EAL is not a Special Educational Need, some students may require additional support while developing their English. We provide appropriate support to help students access learning and participate fully in school life.
