SEND Information
SEND Definition
A child or young person has Special Educational Needs (SEN) if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision to be made additional to or different from what is provided for other children or young people of the same age. (CoP 2015, p.16)
Broad Areas of Need
There are four broad areas of SEND :
- Communication and Interaction – Includes pupils with Autism and those with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
- Cognition and Learning – Includes pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties – Includes pupils whose emotional, social, or mental health needs affect their ability to learn.
- Sensory and/or Physical Difficulties – Includes pupils with hearing impairment, visual impairment, multi-sensory impairment, or physical disabilities.
Please note: This list is not exhaustive, and some pupils may have needs that span more than one area
School Ethos and Approach
At Pelton Community Primary School, we believe that all pupils are entitled to a high-quality education that enables them to achieve their potential. We focus on removing barriers to learning, raising expectations, and providing positive interventions, working closely with families and external agencies to support all pupils, including those with SEN or disabilities.
We recognise that some groups of pupils require additional consideration to ensure their SEND needs are fully met. Our Designated Teacher for Children in Care works closely with the SENDCo to ensure that staff understand and respond effectively to the additional needs of Children in Care and those who have previously been in care, including those subject to Special Guardianship Orders (SGO) and Child Arrangements Orders (CAO).
At Pelton Community Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of need, make the best possible progress.
This SEND Information Report should be read alongside the school’s SEND Policy, Equality Information and Objectives, and Accessibility Plan.
Key Contacts
- Mrs Karen Telfer - Executive Head Teacher - 0191 3700260
- Mrs Rachel Henry - Deputy Headteacher & SENDCo - 0191 3700260 or peltonenquiries@bpfed.org.uk
- Mrs Judith Russell - Deputy Headteacher & Designated Teacher for Children in Care - 0191 3700260 peltonenquiries@bpfed.org.uk
- Mrs Wendy Guile - SEND Governor - 0191 3700260
SEND Admissions
For information on the admission of pupils with a disability, please visit the School Admissions section of our website and view the Accessibility Plan in our School Policies section.
If your child already has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the admission process is coordinated through the Local Authority SEND Caseworker. The Caseworker will consult with the school to ensure that your child’s needs can be fully met.
We warmly welcome opportunities to meet with parents and carers to discuss individual needs. Visits to the school can be arranged, and we are always happy to show families around our SEND provision, answer questions, and talk through the support available.
If you would like to discuss your child’s SEND in more detail or arrange a visit, please contact the school to make an appointment.
Compliments, Complaints & Feedback
We are committed to continuously improving the quality of education and support we provide for pupils with SEND and actively welcome feedback from parents and carers. We value hearing about your child’s experiences and your views on our SEND provision.
- Compliments are always greatly appreciated and can be shared directly with staff or the SENDCo, via letters to the Executive Head Teacher, or through our regular parent questionnaires. Positive comments may be shared on this area of the website.
- We also welcome feedback on the content of our SEND Information Report. If you would like to comment, please complete the online form in the Contact Us section of our website.
- We hope that concerns or complaints about our SEND provision will be rare; however, should a concern arise, it should be addressed in line with the school’s Complaints Policy, which is available in in the School Policies section of our website.
Welcome to the Rainbow Guide
The Rainbow Guide is a one-stop resource for families in County Durham, offering a carefully selected collection of information, advice, and support for parents and carers of children with
additional needs. From finding the right educational resources to accessing healthcare and local support services, the guide covers a wide range of practical information to help you navigate your child’s journey.
Created by parent and carers who understand the unique challenges you may face, the Rainbow Guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to support your child’s development and wellbeing. Whether you are looking for advice on managing behaviour, finding support groups, or accessing specialist services, the guide provides up-to-date, relevant information to help you feel confident and supported.