Special Educational Needs and Disabilites
At Courthouse, our aim is for all children to flourish. Quality first teaching is vital however for some children there are occasions when further positive support may be needed to help them to flourish.
The best way to find out all the things that we can do to support your child is to come and talk to us.
Our Acting Head of School, Mrs Fiona Hayes, is the SENDCo overseeing years 4 to 6 and Miss Kosser Choudry, Assistant SENDCo, oversees year 3. Both can be contacted through the school office.
The Inclusion Charter
Day to day queries about SEND provision should be discussed with the Class Teacher in the first instance.
Any concerns about support that the school provides for children with SEND can be raised with the SENDCo, Mrs Fiona Hayes. Any complaints will be handled within the school's complaints policy, which can be found in the key information section of this website.
Choosing the right school for your child
A child’s happiness and achievement at school is every parent’s priority. Therefore selecting a school is one of the most important decisions any parent has to make. In this area, there are many good schools to choose from. By visiting them you will get a good idea which school your child will be happy and successful in. After all, you know your child better than anyone. Here are some suggestions to help you make that decision:
You will probably want to know how well a school is doing. Have a look at the Ofsted report, which you can request from the school or search for on the Ofsted website.
You can ask friends and neighbours for their opinion about a local school, but bear in mind that their child is different to yours and will have different needs. Always visit at least one school, if you can, before you make your final decision. When you arrive at a school, how do you decide whether this one is right for your child? The following check list might help you:
- What are your first impressions of the school? Is there a welcoming, calm and friendly atmosphere?
- How do the staff respond to you? Are they helpful, friendly and informative?
- Are parents welcome in the school? Are there regular meetings for parents?
- Are the children engaged in a range of activities, both within each classroom and throughout the school?
- Are the children involved in what they are doing? Are they enjoying it?
- How do the adults talk to the children? Is the relationship calm, respectful and friendly?
- How is a child’s progress and development assessed and monitored?
- Are the children well-behaved? Are they respectful towards adults, each other and the equipment?
- How do the children respond to you? Are they happy and confident to talk to you? Can they tell you about what they are doing?
- Do you have a positive ‘gut feeling’ about the school? Any good school will be delighted to be visited by prospective children and their parents.
Every school organises this in a different way. At Courthouse Junior, we can offer a personal tour with the SENDCo and/or Headteacher. Please ring the school office to make an appointment.
Family Support
National Autistic Society
The UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
Please click on this link to access the National Autistic Society
Autism Berkshire
Autism Berkshire was founded as the Berkshire Autistic Society in 1990 by a group of parents of children with autism, related conditions and challenging behaviours.
Today they are the leading autism charity in Berkshire and deliver quality specialist services, training and social and leisure activities throughout the county, guided by a team of trustees with personal and professional experience of autism.
Please click on this link to access Autism Berkshire
Parenting Special Children
The Parenting Service offers a wide range of courses and workshops for families of children and young people with special needs for parent/carers.
Please click on this link to access Parenting Special Children
The British Dyslexia Association
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
Please click on this link to access The British Dyslexia Association
GEMS
GEMS is for children, young people and adults who are diagnosed with or who are on the pathway to diagnosis for Autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The service also supports parents and carers. Whatever stage of your Autism/ADHD journey you are at pre- or post- diagnosis – GEMS offers a single point of contact where you can access information, advice and support.