At Elson Junior School, we are proud to be an inclusive and welcoming school in Gosport. We believe every child has the right to feel valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their best, regardless of ability, behaviour or background. 

We provide a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum for all pupils. Our teaching is based on the National Curriculum and adapted to meet the needs of individual children and groups of learners. 

Some children may experience barriers to learning and may need additional support or provision that is different from, or extra to, that provided for others of the same age. These needs may arise at any stage during a child’s time with us or throughout their school journey. 

How Do We Identify Children Who Need Extra Help? 

At Elson Junior School, children may be identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in a number of ways, including: 

Through our graduated approach: 

• Concerns raised by parents, carers or class teachers  

• Completion of a pupil concern form to identify barriers to learning  

• Discussion of strategies, support and targets to put in place  

• In-school assessments or screening showing progress below age-related expectations  

• Information from previous schools or settings  

• Advice from external professionals such as:  

• Speech and Language Therapists  

• Outreach Services  

• Specialist Teacher Advisors  

• Educational Psychologists  

• Guidance from Hampshire Local Authority  

Parents and carers are kept fully informed throughout every stage of the process. 

In addition: 

• A child may join us with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)  

• A medical or developmental diagnosis may be made through a pediatrician or CAMHS  

• We always listen to the child’s own views about their learning and the support they receive  

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has SEND? 

Your first step should be to speak with your child’s class teacher. 

They may then recommend a follow-up meeting with our SENDCo, Mrs Helen Adams. 

Depending on your concerns, you may also wish to speak with your GP or other healthcare professional. 

How Will Elson Junior School Support My Child? 

Who will oversee my child’s support? 

Our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) works closely with teachers and staff to oversee support and progress for pupils with SEND. 

Your child’s class teacher remains the key person responsible for their learning and day-to-day progress. 

Additional support may include: 

• Small group sessions led by a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)  

• Targeted interventions recorded in your child’s pupil passport  

• Emotional support through our trained ELSA staff (1:1 or group sessions)  

• Specialist advice from outside agencies where needed  

Parents are always informed when additional support is introduced. 

How Will I Be Kept Informed? 

We value strong partnerships with families. 

You will have regular opportunities to discuss your child’s progress, including: 

• Parents’ evenings  

• Review meetings  

• Ongoing communication with the class teacher  

• Meetings with the SENDCo when needed  

We are always happy to talk through any questions or concerns. 

How Is Learning Adapted to Meet My Child’s Needs? 

Our teachers know their pupils well and carefully plan lessons to meet a wide range of needs. 

This may include: 

• Adapted teaching approaches  

• Flexible grouping  

• Scaffolded tasks and resources  

• Additional adult support  

• Targeted interventions  

• Personalised strategies  

Our aim is to ensure every child can access the curriculum and experience success. 

How Are Decisions Made About Support? 

Support is planned through ongoing discussions between: 

• Class teachers  

• SENDCo  

• Parents and carers  

• External professionals (where appropriate)  

Provision is regularly reviewed to make sure it remains effective and responsive to your child’s needs. 

How Will I Know If My Child Is Making Progress? 

We monitor progress carefully and meet with families at least termly to review learning and support. 

Progress is measured through: 

• Daily classroom assessment  

• Teacher observations  

• National and age-related expectations  

• Progress from previous starting points  

• Whole-school tracking systems from Year 3 to Year 6  

• Pupil Progress Meetings with school leaders  

Where needed, support plans and targets are adjusted to help children continue moving forward. 

Wellbeing and Pastoral Support 

We are an inclusive school where every child is known as an individual. 

The class teacher has overall responsibility for your child’s pastoral, social and medical wellbeing, supported by wider staff where needed. 

Parents should always contact the class teacher first with any concerns. 

Administration of Medicines 

Our procedures for supporting children with medical needs are set out in our Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy, available on the school website. 

Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion 

We promote positive behaviour through clear expectations, encouragement and recognition. 

Where children need additional behavioural support, we may create an individual behaviour plan in partnership with parents and the child. 

After incidents, staff help children reflect, repair relationships and learn strategies for the future. 

Attendance is monitored daily. Where concerns arise, we work positively with families to understand barriers and provide support, including help from our Family Support Worker where appropriate. 

How Can My Child Share Their Views? 

Our school motto, “Living Together, Learning Together,” reflects our belief that every child’s voice matters. 

Children can share their views through: 

• School Council  

• Talking with trusted adults  

• Pupil reviews  

• The Thought Box outside The Den  

• Everyday conversations with staff  

We encourage children to be active participants in their learning and school life. 

Specialist Expertise Available 

Our SENDCo, Mrs Helen Adams, is a qualified and experienced teacher who receives ongoing professional development. 

All staff receive regular SEND training, including areas such as: 

• Autism  

• Speech and Language  

• Emotional wellbeing  

• Learning needs  

• Behaviour support  

• Inclusive classroom practice  

We also work closely with external agencies, including: 

• Educational Psychologists  

• Behaviour Support Services  

• Speech and Language Therapists  

• Occupational Therapists  

• School Nurses  

• Paediatricians  

• Social Care Teams  

• EMTAS  

School Trips and Activities 

We believe all children should be able to take part in trips, visits and extracurricular activities. 

To support this: 

• Risk assessments are completed before visits  

• Additional adults may be provided  

• Individual support can be arranged where needed  

• Parents may be invited to support trips  

• Meetings can be arranged beforehand to discuss individual needs  

Our aim is for every child to participate safely and successfully. 

Accessibility 

Our school site includes: 

• Wheelchair access  

• Accessible toilet facilities  

• Wet room with changing area  

• Accessible changing table  

• Single-level access across the site  

• Ramps at designated exits  

We are committed to making our environment as accessible as possible. 

Starting School and Moving On 

We work carefully to support children during transitions. 

Joining Elson Junior School 

We encourage all new pupils to visit before starting. Additional visits can be arranged for children with SEND, and we may also liaise with previous schools or settings. 

Moving to Secondary School 

We work closely with receiving schools to share information and support a smooth transition. Additional visits and tailored transition programmes may be arranged where needed. 

Governors and SEND 

Our Governing Body monitors the progress and outcomes of all pupils, including those with SEND. 

Our SEND Governor meets regularly with the SENDCo and helps review the impact of SEND provision across the school. 

If You Have Concerns 

We are here to help and encourage open communication. 

If you have any concerns: 

1. Speak to your child’s class teacher  

2. Arrange a meeting with the SENDCo  

3. Contact the Headteacher if needed  

We value positive relationships with families and believe working together leads to the best outcomes for children. 

You may also wish to read our SEND Policy on the school website. 

If you would like independent advice or support, please click on the following link Support4SEND Website 

Hampshire Local Offer 

Information about SEND services, support and resources available in Hampshire can be found through the Hampshire Local Offer. 

HCC Local Offer Information Website