Darton Academy Y6 SEND Transition Information 2020
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The Transition Process for students with SEND Moving to secondary school is an exciting time but it is also often filled with nerves and lots of questions. We appreciate that it can often be even more challenging for students with SEND and that the current situation adds to that anxiety. We recognise that parents and students will have number of concerns and worries about what is happening and how we will be prepared for them joining us. Traditionally the transition process for students with SEND would include: Ø Gathering information from primary schools and other key professionals. Ø Small group transition visits which include a tour of the school, meeting key staff and participating in activities. Ø Completing a transition booklet Ø Transition day with the full year group. The most important aspect of the transition process for our team is speaking to primary schools to ensure we have all the information we need to support students. This information includes:
Ø If your child is currently on the SEN register and what their additional needs are. Ø If there are any safeguarding concerns. Ø What your child’s current learning levels are and if they require support. Ø If there are other professionals currently working with your child and who they are. Ø If your child is anxious in school or struggles to make friends. Ø If your child has a medical condition. Ø What support your child currently receives in school. Ø If your child will need additional support with transition Whilst we are not able to offer our traditional transition in terms of visits, we are putting lots of things in place to support students so that the move to Darton Academy is as stress-free and simple as possible. Please refer to the main transition page for more information.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school using the transition email: transition@dartonacademy.org.uk If your child is struggling with the move to secondary school, you can find some useful resources here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/covid19-school-closures https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/onlinelearning-resources-for-use-during-covid-19-coronavirus/ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources
What Support do we Offer? At Darton Academy we provide a wide range of support and interventions for all students so that they can make good progress and be proud of their achievements. All the support we offer is monitored and reviewed to ensure that it is the right support for each individual. We also work with a number of outside agencies to provide further support, both in and out of school.
Support and interventions include: Ø Key worker Ø Ruth Miskin – Fresh Start Ø Toe by Toe Ø Handwriting and keyboard skills Ø Paired reading Ø Life skills Ø Wellbeing intervention Ø Reading and comprehension groups Ø Spelling groups Ø Morning maths club Ø Social skills interventions Ø Art therapy Ø The Bridge
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Outside agencies who work with us in school include: Ø The Educational Psychology Service Ø Speech and Language Therapy / Social Communication and
Interaction Team Ø Learning Support Services Ø SEMH Services Ø Mindspace Ø TADS Ø Barnsley Bereavement Support Ø TIAG Ø YOT Ø Family Support Ø Occupational Therapy Ø Community Nursing Team Ø Sensory support Ø Barnsley IGNITE
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Frequently Asked Questions General information about school such as uniform, meals, equipment etc is available within the main Parent booklet. In this section we aim to answer questions relating directly to SEND and support. If you can't find the answer to your question within this booklet or the main Parent and Student booklets, please email school using the following email address: transition@dartonacademy.org.uk
How will you know what needs my child has?
As part of our transition process we speak directly with class teachers and SENCos from every school who provide us with detailed information. This includes the support that has previously been in place. We also rely on parents to provide us with information to ensure we can provide any necessary support as quickly as possible.
How is the information about my child's needs and strategies for best practice communicated to teachers?
All students who are on the SEN register will have a Learning Passport. This will provide all staff with information to support and inform teaching in the classroom. Learning Passports are written with students to ensure they are personalised.
My child was on the SEND register in primary school. Will this continue in secondary school?
While all schools have a SEND Register, the criteria for adding a child to the register varies between schools and in particular between primary and secondary school. Students who were on the register in primary school will initially be placed on our register and will be monitored closely for the first half term. A decision will then be taken about whether or not there is a need for this to continue. We will inform you of this decision and discuss it further with you. My child finds it difficult to manage unstructured time and noise such as break and lunch times. How will you support this? The Bridge or Learning Support area are safe spaces that can be accessed during these times. How does the school handle communicating unexpected changes to routine – what notice is given for changes, e.g. staffing, room changes, school trips? Where possible we inform students and parents well in advance of any changes that may be happening. If this is not possible, for example if a member of staff is ill, we will support students in those changes at that time to reduce anxiety.
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My child had a Support Plan in primary school - will this carry on and will they get the same support? Will parents be involved? All support plans will be reviewed when students start with us and we always make sure that parents/carers are involved in any reviews that are conducted. It is often the case that primary and secondary schools provide different support and interventions. We always work with students and parents/carers to ensure appropriate support is provided where necessary. My child is used to working with the same LSA. Will this continue in secondary school? In secondary school part of our job is to prepare students for adulthood which includes working with different people and managing change. At Darton LSAs work across all subjects. This allows students to build relationships with a number of different staff and reduces dependency on individuals. Will my child get 1 to1 support in every lesson? Unless it is specifically written into an EHCP we do not give 1-1 support for students in every lesson. It is useful to remember that there is not an LSA in every lesson as there usually is in primary school. I have concerns about my child. How do I get help? Always contact school if you have any concerns; initially this should be the Learning Manager for Y7. This can be via email or a phone call. They will discuss and record your concerns before agreeing on the most appropriate course of action. I think that my child has additional learning needs. How can you help? If you have any concerns about your child you should initially contact the Y7 Learning Manager who will refer to the SENCo. We will listen to your concerns and then gather information from teachers before working together to make a plan to support your child where necessary. My child has a medical condition, how is this managed in school? Any medical information should be disclosed in detail as soon as your child starts at school, including providing a current Health Care Plan if one is available. You may then be asked to discuss the details with the Learning Manager. We will then put provision in place to support within the guidelines of the school policy. It should be noted that school cannot give a student any medication that is not prescribed, for example paracetamol. The school medical policy can be found on the school website.
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Meet the Learning Support Team Here are the some of the people in school who will help you with your learning and anything else you need when you are in school. If you have any questions, you can ask them using the transition email: transition@dartonacademy.org.uk Name and Role Mrs Travis SENCo
Mr Barclay Assistant SENCo
Mrs Boyd Senior LSA
Miss Blackshaw LSA
Information Welcome to Darton Academy! I am the SENCo and it is my job to make sure that everyone has the support they need. I have only been at Darton for one year but I already love it here; everyone is really friendly and helpful! I am looking forward to meeting you all soon and if you have any questions or worries you can get in touch using the email address at the top of the page. See you soon! Hello, welcome to Darton Academy! I hope you are ready for the next exciting chapter of your school lives. I am the Assistant SENCo and have worked at Darton for a number of years now. It is my job to assist our SENCo to make sure learners who need extra support get the extra support they need so they have the best chance of doing well and enjoying their time here at Darton. I also teach English and Maths. My name is Mrs Boyd, I am the Senior Learning Support Assistant. I have worked at Darton for many years and I really enjoy my job because every day is different. I am a Key Worker for some learners, you will see me in a variety of lessons and I also work in the Inclusion Office. I am looking forward to meeting you when you start here after the summer. Hi everyone! My name is Miss Blackshaw. I am a Learning Support Assistant here at Darton and I am looking forward to meeting you all in September! Darton is a very friendly and happy school and we are all here to help and support you to settle in and enjoy your journey here at Darton Academy. Have a fantastic summer and we'll see you all soon!
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Miss Bromfield LSA
Mrs Brookes LSA
Mrs Burkinshaw LSA
Mrs Cawston LSA
Mrs Cullum
Hi, welcome to Darton Academy. My name is Miss Bromfield and I am part of the learning support here. I have worked at Darton for just over a year and half and I have to say it is a really friendly and happy school; staff and pupils are so welcoming. I worked a lot with last year’s new year 7 pupils and honestly within days it was like they had always been here and settled in and made new friends quickly, which I am sure you will do too. I am looking forward to meeting and supporting you when you start here at Darton. Hi, I’m Mrs Brookes one of the Learning Support Assistants here at Darton Academy. One of the best things about Darton is that everyone is lovely and friendly so if you need anything you just have to ask someone - we’re all here to help and support each other. Enjoy your summer and see you soon.
Hi, I am a Learning Support Assistant at Darton Academy. I work mainly in the maths department but you will see me out and about all over the academy. I'm sure you'll love joining us; we all want you to have the very best experience here. Everyone here is really friendly and helpful, so if you need anything, just ask one of us. Hi, I'm Mrs Cawston and I am one of the Learning Support Assistants here at Darton Academy. I have worked here for almost 8 years supporting children with their education and wellbeing. I really love the technology lessons here at Darton as there are so many different activities that you will get to try. I look forward to meeting you in September for a brand new and exciting journey. (Currently on maternity leave.)
HLTA
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Ms Dransfield LSA
Mr Hemingway HLTA
Miss Hodgson LSA
Miss Maskill LSA
Mr McArthur LSA
Hi, my name is Ms Dransfield and I'm a Learning Support Assistant. You will probably see me mainly in English. We do some very exciting activities in our lessons including reading books such as ‘Wonder’, ‘Boy’ and many others that you will know. I am sure you will enjoy joining us here at Darton Academy as it is a very friendly school. Hello! I'm Mr Hemingway. I have been working at Darton Academy for 3 years. I was also a student here as well - I left and came back! You may see me supporting you in one of your lessons or indeed maybe teaching the lesson if your teacher is away. I work a lot with drama - something you may find of interest. I will be happy to help you throughout your high school journey and if you want a member of staff to talk football with, I'm your guy! Hi everybody. I am one of the Learning Support Assistants at Darton Academy. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and I know you'll love Darton because I know I do. If you there is anything you need don't worry about asking. There will always be someone to help. See you all very soon!
Hello everyone! My name is Miss Maskill and I am a Learning Support Assistant at Darton Academy. I have worked here for 4 years and it's my job to help learners and give extra support to those who need it. My favourite thing about working here is the amazing, supportive team that we have - there is always someone to help you, however big or small. I am looking forward to meeting you all and help you settle into your new and exciting journey at Darton Academy. Hello everyone, my name is Mr McArthur and I am a Learning Support Assistant here at Darton Academy. I am always friendly and like helping out with anything that you may be having trouble with. I really enjoy art, sports and video games. You will like Darton, it is a very friendly school with lots of teachers always ready to help you or just be there for a chat.
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Mrs McGrath LSA
Mrs Mellor LSA
Mrs Nelson SEN Administrator
Mrs Sanderson Bridge Manager
Hi, I work at Darton Academy as a Learning Support Assistant and it is my job to support you with the things you may need help with while you are with us. I mainly work in the English department, but you may see me around in other parts of school occasionally. I have been working at Darton for 6 years now and have made lots of friends. If you see me around, say hello or give me a wave as that will always make me smile! I look forward to meeting you soon. Hi everyone, I'm Mrs Mellor and I'm one of the Learning Support Assistants here at Darton Academy. I really enjoy working here as everyone is so friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and supporting you in your new school.
Hello! I am Mrs Nelson and I work in the office in the SEN department. I'm nearly always at my desk so, if you need to find someone like Mrs Travis or one of the Learning Support Assistants, come and see me and I'll do my best to help you. You can also come in and have a chat any time if you're just feeling like you need a bit of reassurance or help with anything. Hello everyone! My name is Mrs Sanderson and I am the Bridge Manager. I am based in a room called the Bridge, where lots of different activities take place throughout the day, as well as before and after school. Since joining the staff team at Darton Academy in January 2020, my role has included supporting small groups and individuals with their learning, organising a morning maths club and running mindfulness sessions. The Bridge is also a ‘safe space’ where some students come if they need some time out of lessons or prefer a quieter place at break times. I work closely with the SENCo and Learning Managers to organise who is able to access the Bridge and when. I have found Darton Academy to be a very welcoming and friendly place. I am sure you will enjoy studying here and I look forward to meeting you!
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Miss Scott LSA
Mrs Stell LSA
Mrs Stephens LSA
Miss Wigfield LSA
Hi everybody, I hope you are all excited to be starting in Year 7 at Darton Academy. I am Miss Scott and work as a Learning Support Assistant. It is my role to support you within your lessons and around school. I'm always around for a chat or to offer support in any way you may need. I look forward to meeting you all in September, and helping you blossom in your new school. Hello and welcome to Darton Academy. My name is Mrs Stell I'm a Learning Support Assistant here at Darton. When you see me around school please say hello! Everyone is really helpful and very friendly and we all look forward to meeting you all in September.
Hi guys, I'm Mrs Stephens and I'm a fairly new member of the Darton team, having joined in November last year, from Greenacre School. I am one of your Learning Support Assistants and am really looking forward to seeing you all in September. We are all here to make your journey a fab one, full of great memories and I know you will love it! I am trained in sign language and may drive you mad because I always talk with my hands! Have a fab summer, see you soon. Hi everyone! My name is Miss Wigfield and I am a Learning Support Assistant. You must all be really excited and nervous about starting a new school (I know I was on my first day!) but there is nothing to worry about. Here at Darton Academy we are all one big, happy family and we will always support and encourage you to reach your full potential. If there is anything you need you only have to ask someone. I can't wait to meet you all in September!
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