At Sparkwell Primary we accept that all children are individuals and that for various reasons many children may need support at some time in school, whether for a few months or for their whole time at school. We aim to identify every child’s needs as they arise and provide teaching and learning that will enable all individuals to succeed and be happy in school. Where necessary we work with a range of professionals such as Speech & Language Therapists or Educational Psychologists to ensure we are matching our provision to the needs of the child. Support may be given in school by both a teacher and a teaching assistant and it is very important that we work with you the family too. We strive to ensure that no child is invisible and is fully included in all we do.
In the first instance it is always best to speak to the class teacher if you have a concern.
Our named special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is our headteacher, Mrs Francesca McLoughlin, who has over 16 years experience as SENCo, both at Sparkwell and in other schools. Please ask at the office should you wish to make an appointment to meet with her. All our staff support our inclusive ethos and regularly attend training.
For details about our school's admission arrangements, including those for children with special educational needs, please see our Admissions policy which can be viewed under the About Us at the top.
Read our SEND report for 2023-24 on our key documents page to find out more about what we offer SEND children at Sparkwell.
Devon Local Offer - a directory of local services and support for families, along with details on support that schools can offer.
See details of the Plymouth Local Offer here for those living in Plymouth or choosing secondary education in the City
These are some websites that you may find useful:
Friends and Families of Special Children gives a wealth of information for parents and local events and support groups
Plymouth Information and Advice and Support for SEND - advice for parents and details of local clubs, support groups etc.
National Autistic Society
NASEN - national organisation for SEN, including publications
Family Lives - advice and support with a helpline, useful for behaviour issues
Young Minds - advice relating to emotional and mental health, also has a parent helpline
Special Needs Jungle - advice for and from parents of SEND children
Nip in the Bud - information and advice on mental health disorders
Our named special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is our headteacher, Mrs Francesca McLoughlin, who has over 16 years experience as SENCo, both at Sparkwell and in other schools. Please ask at the office should you wish to make an appointment to meet with her. All our staff support our inclusive ethos and regularly attend training.
For details about our school's admission arrangements, including those for children with special educational needs, please see our Admissions policy which can be viewed under the About Us at the top.
Read our SEND report for 2023-24 on our key documents page to find out more about what we offer SEND children at Sparkwell.
Devon Local Offer - a directory of local services and support for families, along with details on support that schools can offer.
See details of the Plymouth Local Offer here for those living in Plymouth or choosing secondary education in the City
These are some websites that you may find useful:
Friends and Families of Special Children gives a wealth of information for parents and local events and support groups
Plymouth Information and Advice and Support for SEND - advice for parents and details of local clubs, support groups etc.
National Autistic Society
NASEN - national organisation for SEN, including publications
Family Lives - advice and support with a helpline, useful for behaviour issues
Young Minds - advice relating to emotional and mental health, also has a parent helpline
Special Needs Jungle - advice for and from parents of SEND children
Nip in the Bud - information and advice on mental health disorders
Kooth - an online mental wellbeing community
This is a link to a very nice Anxiety home toolkit that parents can use to help their child if they are struggling with anxiety
We are very lucky to be supported by Link Academy's Inclusion Hub. This offers the school the support of a lead SENCo who can support and advise. It also facilitates and supports referrals to external agencies or applications for EHCPs. They also run a SEMH provision at woodlands in Hennock that we can refer children to.
Follow the link below for more information