Special educational needs
Handcross Primary is an inclusive, mainstream school with a curriculum that has been designed to be exciting, relevant and matched to the individual needs of our pupils. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils have full and equal access to all aspects of school life.
“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are identified swiftly and & very well supported which helps them learn well ... Pupils, including those with SEND, work incredibly hard & achieve well.
Ofsted, May 2023
What is SEND?
A child has a Special Educational Need / Disability (SEND) if they require provision which is ‘additional to or different from’ that provided for the majority.
If you would like to discuss SEND at any time, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact Mrs Davies, our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Please use the tab on the right hand side of the 'Contact' page to access contact information.
At Handcross, we use 'waves of support' to ensure that all children are monitored closely and so that Special Educational Needs can be identified as early as possible and that, where needed, appropriate, effective support is swiftly put in place to enable all children to flourish.
Waves of Support
Wave 1: High Quality Teaching
We understand that the quality of teaching within the classroom has the greatest influence over children’s progress. We invest in training, resources and monitoring to ensure our classrooms are an inclusive place for all children. This is known as ‘universal' high quality teaching. For most children, this enables them to succeed.
Wave 2: Intervention
Interventions at ‘Wave 2’ are planned when a child needs support to reach (or exceed) the expectations for their age. These are generally taught in a small group but are sometimes delivered one-to-one. Interventions may include a times tables booster, additional phonics, nurture time, social skills or confidence building sessions. The impact of interventions is reviewed regularly. After a time-bound period of intervention, most children will catch up to their peers and reach their potential. If they do not, they may be identified as needing SEN Support.
Wave 3: SEN Support
Information gathering about the possibility of SEN will include ongoing monitoring and discussion with the pupil and their parents / carers to identify areas of strengths, needs and any concerns. Children identified as requiring 'SEN Level Support' will be placed on our school SEN register. A prime area of need will be identified from those set out below, though they may have needs in more than one area. You can click on each area of need for more information.
Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH)
In order to make progress, children with SEN will receive personalised support which is additional to or different from the everyday curriculum for their class. This support is detailed in an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) prepared by the class teacher, overseen by the SENCo, and is formally reviewed termly.
The ILP allows us to formally record the four-part cycle known as the Graduated Approach whereby we 'assess, plan, do, review' the personalised programme of support in place for each child.
Support may also include provision / advice sought from an external agency or professional, such as Speech and Language Therapy or the Learning and Behaviour Advice Team (LBAT).
Wave 4: EHCP
If a child continues to need significant support and is not making progress, despite purposeful action being taken, they may be assessed by professionals as part of an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA). This is the process by which the Local Authority can decide to issue an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An EHCP may be granted is a child requires additional support beyond what the school can provide through SEND Support. It is a legal document that sets out the needs of the child and the additional support required to meet those needs. An EHCP is formally reviewed annually.
Further Information and Support
Handcross Primary School fully complies with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2014) which provides statutory guidance on duties, policies and procedures relating to Part 3 of the Children and Families Act (2014) and associated regulations.
Please read our SEND Information Report and policies below to find out more about Special Educational Needs Provision at Handcross.
SEND Information Report 2025 - 2026
Accessibility Plan for Disabled Pupils 2024 - 2027
Local authorities are required to publish a ‘Local Offer’ which provides information about provision available to children with Special Educational Needs in the local area.
West Sussex Local Offer - Website
West Sussex Local Offer - LeafletReaching Families is a parent / carer led local charity which aims to support parents and families of children and young people with SEND in their daily lives. They work with over 3,000 West Sussex families every year. If you have a child with SEND, this may be a useful source of peer support in the local area. They offer free of charge workshops. You can find more information on their website and events page:
'Umbrellas' Parent / Carer Support Group
West Sussex SENDIAS provides impartial information, advice and support to families of children with SEND.
West Sussex Parent / Carer Forum is an independent charity for parents /carers of children with SEND. They support parents / carers by providing information, signposting, and training that equips them in their lifelong caring role and empowers them to participate in shaping services for children and young people.
