SEND

A Message from the SENCO – Miss D. Lindop

At Alexandra Infants School, we believe that every child is unique and full of potential. Our commitment to supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is unwavering. We strive to create an inclusive, nurturing, and ambitious learning environment where every student, regardless of their needs, is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We understand that every child’s journey is different. That’s why we take a personalised approach, working closely with parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure each child receives the support they need to succeed. Our team is highly trained and committed to ongoing professional development to ensure we provide the best possible education for all our students.

At Alexandra Infants School, we celebrate and embrace neurodiversity, valuing the strengths and unique perspectives that each child brings. We are committed to creating a school where differences are not just supported but celebrated.

Watch this video to learn more about neurodiversity:

See these links for more information.

Our teaching is underpinned by the EEF’s Evidence-Based Strategies for SEND, which guide us in delivering effective support:

1. Scaffolding learning – Providing structured support that gradually reduces as students develop independence.
2. Explicit instruction – Using clear, direct teaching methods to enhance understanding and retention.
3. Flexible grouping – Organising students into dynamic groups to target specific needs and skills.
4. Cognitive and metacognitive strategies – Helping students develop self-regulation and problem-solving skills.
5. Using technology to support learning – Employing assistive tools and digital resources to enhance accessibility and engagement.

Our Graduated Approach to SEND Support

We adopt a graduated approach to SEND provision, ensuring that every child receives the right level of support at the right time:

Universal Support – High-quality, inclusive teaching is the foundation of our SEND provision. All teachers use adaptive teaching strategies and scaffolding to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom.

Targeted Support – Some children benefit from additional support beyond universal provision. This may include small group interventions, additional scaffolding, or structured programs aimed at developing key skills.

Specialist Support – For students with more complex needs, we work closely with external agencies, such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and occupational therapists, to provide bespoke interventions and personalised learning plans.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We believe that parents and carers are the experts on their own children, and we value their insights and experiences. Our approach is built on open communication, collaboration, and mutual trust.

We offer:

• Regular meetings and reviews to discuss progress and next steps.
• A dedicated team available to offer guidance and support.
• Opportunities for parents to contribute to their child’s support plan.
• Workshops and training sessions to help parents feel empowered and informed.

Together, with families and professionals, we work tirelessly to ensure that every child feels valued, included, and able to achieve their best.

For more information, please see the policies below and/or contact our SEND team at the school office. Also see the Stoke on Trent Local offer.