Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Meet Our SENCo

Our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENCo) is Mrs G. Finch.

Mrs Finch works closely with pupils, families, staff and external agencies to ensure that children with additional needs receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

SEND Support at St Mary's

At St Mary's, we believe that every child should be able to achieve their full potential and make the best possible progress during their time at school. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all pupils feel valued, supported and able to participate fully in school life.

While high-quality teaching and support are available to all pupils through our everyday classroom provision, some children may require additional support beyond what is ordinarily available. In these cases, individual support plans and targeted interventions may be put in place to meet their specific needs.

Support may be provided in the following areas:

Cognition and Learning

Speech, Communication and Interaction

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Medical or Sensory Needs, including hearing or visual impairments

Identifying and Supporting Needs

We aim to identify special educational needs as early as possible so that appropriate support and interventions can be implemented promptly. We work closely with parents and carers throughout this process, recognising that they play a vital role in supporting their child's learning and development.

If you have concerns about your child, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance. Where appropriate, the class teacher may seek advice and support from Mrs Finch, who can provide guidance, coordinate additional provision, or signpost families to external services and agencies.

Working in Partnership

At St Mary's, we believe that children should be actively involved in decisions about their education wherever possible. We are committed to working in partnership with:

• Pupils
• Parents and carers
• School staff
• External professionals and agencies

Together, we identify individual needs, plan appropriate support, and regularly review progress to ensure each child receives the best possible opportunities to succeed.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your child's needs or find out more about our SEND provision, please contact your child's class teacher or Mrs G. Finch, SENCo, through the school office.

Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Mrs Finch, may be contacted by emailing: senco@st-marys-burnham.essex.sch.uk or by telephoning 01621 782626.

 The Essex SEND Local Offer can be found here.