SEND Provision
At Birchwood High School we believe that all our students should have access to a broad and balanced education. Our aim is to ensure that all students are educated in a safe environment throughout their time at school, and we do everything we can to ensure that all have a positive experience on a day-to-day basis.
Our SEND Provision aims to:
- To ensure that all students meet their individual expected progress in learning.
- To ensure that all students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have their needs identified in order to support academic progression and continued wellbeing.
- To ensure all students can access a balanced curriculum, differentiated where appropriate.
- To ensure that all students with SEND are able to fully access the curriculum by providing extra support or additional resources, thereby removing barriers to learning.
A Message from Rob Herbert Assistant Principal (SEND Provision)
We believe that every student should be treated as an individual and have their needs catered for. We provide a range of support and intervention to achieve this, including high quality pastoral care and some one-to-one or small group interventions. We also never forget the ‘student voice’ and take on board what each individual has to say about what it’s like to be a Birchwood student. Additionally, we do our very best to maintain an ongoing dialogue with parents as we understand they are also key to us providing pupils with a positive experience at school.
At Birchwood, we want all students to leave us as well-rounded individuals who are ready to take their next steps into the world. Students with SEND are no exception. Therefore, we do what we can to provide opportunities that are inspiring and enriching throughout their time at Birchwood and create a community where all students feel proud to belong.
Meet The Team
- SENCo: Mrs L Jackson
- Deputy SENCo: Miss L Crossley
- Assistant SENCo: Mrs F Wright & Miss R Wade
- PLC Administrator: Mrs S Waller
Policies & Documents
- SEND Policy 2023/4
- SEND Annual Report 23/24
- Admissions arrangements for Students with a Statement or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC) are included in our Admissions Policy.
- Information on the complaints procedure regarding SEND provision can be found in our Complaints Policy.
All policies can be found on our Policies Page.
Personalised Learning Centre
The PLC provides facilities such as:
- Student computers
- Social area during break and lunchtime
- Sensory area for emotional regulation
- Books
- Games
- Lego
- Student working area
- Lockers for specific needs
“The PLC has been really helpful in supporting my son at Birchwood, especially with moving from primary to secondary school. They have been open to listening to our and his concerns and making as many adaptations as possible. The PLC staff are flexible in their approaches to day-to-day challenges and work closely with us to address them. They are also very keen to celebrate successes and my son has grown in confidence and maturity throughout his time at Birchwood.”
Birchwood Parent
The Intervention Centre
September 2022 saw the introduction of an Intervention Centre at Birchwood High School to ensure that those most in need are given the opportunity to access targeted academic support.
Meet the Team:
- Academic Intervention Manager & Tutor of English: Mrs J Mitchel
- Tutor of Maths: Mrs J Moore
- Tutor of Science: Mrs K Homer
A Message from Lori Jackson, SENCo
My name is Lori Jackson, and I am the SENCO at Birchwood. I have been at the school for 10 years and am also a teacher of Art.
I have always been passionate about helping those with SEND, as are the members of my team in the Personalised Learning Centre. We do all that we can to ensure that all students can fully access lessons and pay particular attention to an individual’s strengths and difficulties. I believe that we are a truly inclusive school at Birchwood. Staff will always strive to find the best ways to fulfil students’ academic and pastoral needs. It is my belief that a big part of education is about preparing students for their next steps in life, and we will do everything we can to facilitate students being a success in whatever it is they want to pursue.