Special Educational Needs Information
Welcome to our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) information page. We hope you find this information useful in understanding the many ways we support your child to achieve their full potential and prepare for a successful transition into adult life.
At Snapethorpe Primary School, we are committed to offering an inclusive and ambitious curriculum that ensures the best possible outcomes for all pupils, whatever their needs or abilities. We have the same high expectations for every child and follow Wakefield Local Authority’s admissions policy, ensuring that no child is discriminated against.
Our SEND provision is led by Mrs J. Carr (SENDCO) and Miss M. Pratt (Assistant SENDCO). We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child is valued, supported, and able to thrive. We actively welcome parents and carers into a strong partnership with school, working closely together to secure the best outcomes for each individual pupil.
Our SEND leaders are knowledgeable in current policy and practice and work closely with school leaders and staff to ensure best practice is consistently embedded across the school. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Mrs Carr (SENDCO) plays a key role in driving strategic decision‑making and championing inclusive practice across Snapethorpe Primary School. Staff receive high‑quality training (CPD) and work alongside external professionals where necessary, enabling them to adapt their teaching and provision effectively to meet the individual needs of pupils.
Snapethorpe Primary School has a strong track record of supporting pupils with SEND through robust transition processes, clear leadership, and a positive, reflective approach from all staff. We believe in continuous improvement and remain fully committed to helping every child reach their full potential.
Please see below for information. If you require any support or would to ask further questions please email senco@snapethorpeprimary.co.uk
What is Special Educational Needs?
A child or young person has SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she:
a) has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or
b) has a disability which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions.
A child under compulsory school age has special educational needs if he or she is likely to fall within the definition in a) or b) above when they reach compulsory school age or would do so if special educational provision was not made for them (Section 20 Children and Families Act 2014).
What are the area of needs?
Communication and interaction
Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) may find it difficult to communicate effectively with others. This could involve challenges in expressing their thoughts, understanding what is being said to them, or using the social rules of communication. Pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, may also experience particular difficulties with social interaction and communication.
Cognition and learning
Learning difficulties cover a wide range of needs, including:
- moderate learning difficulties (MLD);
- severe learning difficulties (SLD), where children are likely to need support in all areas of the curriculum and associated difficulties with mobility and communication;
- profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), where children are likely to have severe and complex learning difficulties as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment;
- specific learning difficulties (SpLD), affect one or more specific aspects of learning. This encompasses a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
Social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH)
Children and young people may face a variety of social, emotional and mental health needs, which can present in many different ways. They might become withdrawn or isolated, or they may display challenging, disruptive, or distressed behaviour. Some pupils may also have underlying conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or attachment-related difficulties.
Sensory and/or physical needs
Some children and young people require special educational provision because a disability prevents or limits their ability to access the facilities typically available in school. Pupils with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or multi‑sensory impairment (MSI) may need specialist support and/or equipment to fully participate in learning. In addition, children and young people with a physical disability (PD) may require ongoing support, adaptations, or specialist equipment to ensure they can access all opportunities alongside their peers.
The Equality Act 2010 states that a disability is ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
‘Long term’ is defined as ‘a year or more’ and ‘substantial’ is defined as ‘more than minor or trivial’. This definition includes sensory impairments such as those affecting sight or hearing, and long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer.
Children and young people with such conditions do not necessarily have SEND.
SEND Local Offer
WESAIL
Wakefield Early Support, Advice, Information and Liaison (WESAIL) service provides a free, confidential and impartial support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers.
WESAIL provide information, advice, support and signposting according to need by either by telephone or where needed on an individual or targeted basis or through events and workshops. We aim to provide easy-to-understand information to raise awareness of the options available to those using our service, and support people in making informed decisions about these options.
