What does SEND support look like at Paddington Academy?​

At Paddington Academy, SEND support begins with high-quality teaching inthe classroom. We are an inclusive school, and all students are expected to access a broad and ambitious curriculum, with teaching adapted to meetindividual needs.​

Every teacher is responsible for the progress and development of all studentsin their class. This means that SEND support is not separate from everydaylearning - it is built into it.​

Students with SEND are supported to learn alongside their peers, participate fully in school life, and develop confidence, independence and a sense ofbelonging.​

How do we identify students with SEND?​

We identify students with SEND as early as possible through a range ofapproaches, including:​

• information from primary schools​
• KS2 results and baseline assessments​
• teacher observations and concerns​
• communication with parents, students and external agencies​

Where a need is identified, the Inclusion team gathers further information,works closely with families and the student, and puts appropriate strategies in place.​

Students are added to the SEND register where appropriate, and staff are informed of the strategies needed to support them.

What is our graduated approach?​

We follow a graduated approach (Assess–Plan–Do–Review) to ensurethat support is carefully planned and continuously improved.​

Assess:​

We build a clear understanding of the student’s needs usingassessment data, teacher insight, and input from families and specialists.​

Plan:​

We agree outcomes and the support required with the student and their parents.​

Do:​

Support is delivered and progress towards outcomes monitored. ​

Review:​

Progress is reviewed regularly, and support is refined as needed. This process allows us to respond quickly and effectively, ensuring that barriers to learning are identified and removed.​

How do we support students?​

Most students are supported through adaptive teaching in the classroom, with lessons carefully designed to meet a wide range of needs.​

Where additional support is needed, students may access:​

• targeted interventions (e.g. reading programmes, small group teaching)​
• mentoring and pastoral support​
• counselling, social skills or emotional support​
• speech and language therapy or specialist provision​
• exam access arrangements and assistive technologies ​

Support is tailored to the individual and regularly reviewed to ensure it is effective.​

Who is responsible for SEND?​

SEND is a whole-school responsibility.​

Class teachers are responsible for the progress of all students, including those with SEND.​

The SENDCo and Inclusion team oversee provision and provide specialist support and guidance.​

Pastoral leaders and support staff play a key role in supporting wellbeing and engagement.​

We work collaboratively to ensure that every student receives consistent, high-quality support.

How do we measure progress and impact?​

Students’ progress is carefully monitored and reviewed throughout the year.​

• Academic progress is assessed formally and reported to families​
• Teachers track progress in lessons and adapt teaching accordingly​
• SEND support is reviewed regularly through the graduated approach​
• Students and parents contribute to reviews and next steps​

This ensures that support remains effective and responsive, and that all students continue to make strong progress.​

How do we work with parents and carers?​

We see parents and carers as key partners in supporting students with SEND.​

We provide regular opportunities to:​

• discuss progress at parents’ evenings and review meetings​
• share strategies and support learning at home​
• contribute to planning and reviewing support​

Parents can also contact the Inclusion or Pastoral team at any time to discuss their child’s needs.​

External agencies and specialist support​

We work closely with a range of external professionals to ensure students receive the right support, including:​

• Educational Psychologists​
• Speech and Language Therapists​
• CAMHS​
• Outreach services for autism, hearing and visual impairment​
• Social care and early help services​

Specialist support is used where needed and always in partnership with families.

The Local Offer​

Information about additional SEND services and support available in the local area can be found through the Local Offer provided by the local authority. ​

This includes services relating to education, health and care.​

Inclusion beyond the classroom​

​We are committed to ensuring that students with SEND are included in all aspects of school life.​

​Students are supported to:​

• take part in trips and extracurricular activities​
• engage in leadership opportunities​
• develop socially and emotionally alongside their peers​

We place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, belonging and personal development.​

Transition support​

We provide enhanced support at key transition points.​

For students joining in Year 7, this includes:​

• meetings with primary schools​
• induction days and additional transition sessions for vulnerable students​
• early planning for students with EHCPs​

We also support students as they move through the school and prepare for their next steps.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)​

Students with more complex needs may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).​

We work closely with families and external agencies to:​

• deliver the provision specified in the plan​
• review progress regularly​
• ensure coordinated support across education, health and care​

Types of SEND we support:​

We support students across all broad areas of need:​

• Executive functioning​
• Communication and interaction​
• Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)​
• Cognition and learning​
• Sensory and/or physical needs​

We focus on understanding the whole child and tailoring support to their individual needs.​

Policies and key contacts​

For further information, please see:​

• SEND Policy​
• SEND Information Report​
• Local Authority Local Offer​

If you would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact:​

SENDCo / Inclusion team