The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator for St Mark's CE Primary School is:

• Mrs Gemma Smith (Deputy Head Teacher)
• TEL: 01384 818935 
• email:gsmith@st-marks.dudley.sch.uk

At St. Mark’s, we recognise that every child is unique and that, at different points during their school journey, some children may require additional support to help them achieve their full potential. Our approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is based on the principles outlined in the SEND Code of Practice (2014), ensuring that children receive the right support at the right time.

Our staff are committed to identifying children’s needs as early as possible and putting appropriate support in place. Teachers are skilled at recognising when a child may require additional help with their learning, communication, social development, emotional wellbeing or behaviour. In many cases, children’s needs can be successfully supported through high-quality, adaptive teaching within the classroom, ensuring that all children can access an ambitious and inclusive curriculum.

We regularly review children’s progress and hold discussions to identify, monitor and evaluate any additional support that may be required. Where appropriate, targeted interventions are planned and reviewed to ensure that they have a positive impact on children’s outcomes. Details of our SEND provision and the support available can be found within our SEND Information Report and provision overview.

For some children, their needs may be more complex and require support beyond what can be provided through classroom-based approaches alone. With the involvement and agreement of parents and carers, we work closely with a range of external professionals to ensure children receive appropriate advice and specialist support. This includes working alongside colleagues from services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Hearing and Visual Impairment Services, Learning Support and specialist behavioural support services.

At St. Mark’s, we believe that every child should be valued as an individual and supported to recognise their own strengths, celebrate their achievements and develop areas where they may need further support. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children are encouraged to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss your child’s needs, please speak with your child’s class teacher, Mr Rondeau (Headteacher), a member of the Senior Leadership Team or Mrs Smith, our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).