SEN Introduction
Heathlands is an all-age special school which meets the Special Education Needs of Children who are deaf/and use BSL.
Pupils all have Education and Health Care plans indicating a requirement or preference for sign language as a means of communication and/or for access to the National Curriculum.
At Heathlands we use the terminology Deaf Plus, for students who have needs in addition to their main presenting need of deafness.
Mrs Reeves Costi (Co-Headteacher and SENCO) and Mrs Sarah Brinsden (Deputy SENCO) oversee all arrangements related to our SEN provision.
Pupil Voice
ADHD – School helped me through my ADHD diagnosis. The medication has helped improve my behaviour and work. Staff support me in lessons to focus.
MSI – I use a plastic magnifier and ipad to help me read. I can use a large laptop to help me write too.
Physical Needs – I use a walker to help me get around. I can move slowly around school. The school has open doors so I can get through. I use hand over hand to get up and downstairs but I like the lift, it is easy.
My daughter has attended Heathlands since nursery and is now 16 and in her final year. She is profoundly deaf and has additional special educational needs including use of a PEG tube, learning delay and physical disabilities. Heathlands has become like a second home to her and has been hugely instrumental in her development. The teachers, support workers and 1:1 assistants she has had during her time at Heathlands have been encouraging, kind and supportive and have helped her grow into a fiercely independent, funny and kind individual. Heathlands has been a huge part of our life, the school has been welcoming and consistently advocated for her needs. Heathlands has been invaluable in supporting both her and our wider family in ensuring she has the best possible start in life, we will always be grateful for her time there.
SEN Documents
The documents below will give full information about the provision made for pupils’ SEN, both the specialist provision for deaf children and what additional support may be offered to children with needs and /or disabilities in addition to deafness. Through these measures the school seeks to ensure all pupils have full access and that no children with needs in addition to deafness are treated less favourably than their peers.
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