St Mary's Primary School
Comber
Welcome
Special Educational Needs
The Principal, Mrs Eccles, has responsibility for Special Educational Needs in the school. The school is committed to the concept of early intervention, and aims to identify specific pupil needs through accurate observations and meticulous record keeping, from as early as the Reception/P1 Year.
Children with identified special needs are assigned to the Special Educational Needs Register in the school and are assessed relative to the five stages of the Code of Practice, the guidelines set out by the Department of Education.
Code of Practice
Stage 1
Teacher identifies and registers a pupil’s Special Educational Need and, in consultation with SEN Coordinator, takes initial action.
Stage 2
The Principal as the SEN Coordinator has responsibility for gathering information and working with teachers to co-ordinate the pupil’s Special Educational Provision, through the implementation of an individual education plan (IEP).
Stage 3
The school is supported by specialists from outside who have been called in for advice, after which the Board is informed.
Stage 4
The Board considers the need for a statutory assessment and if appropriate, makes a multi-disciplinary assessment.
Stage 5
The Board considers the need for a Statement of Special Educational Needs, and if appropriate, makes a statement, arranges, monitors and reviews provision.
The Principal and the teachers are always available to speak to any Parent who has concerns about their child.
**A copy of our full Special Educational Needs Policy is available on request.**