At Meadow Bridge every child is valued, and each step of their learning journey is supported.  Some children may need additional support or reasonable adjustments during their time at school.

Our teachers have a professional responsibility to act upon their assessments and observations. Therefore, they will always choose the most appropriate way to help each child learn from a range of activities within a continuum of learning support. This is described as differentiating the curriculum.

Special Needs provision may take place within the classroom or during short periods when pupils are withdrawn from class, enabling them to have more individual teaching. Such additional support does not replace classroom teaching – it is supplementary to it.

Parents are regularly consulted and updated on their children’s progress and difficulties are addressed swiftly to ensure children fulfil their potential. Parent Teacher Consultations in Term 1 and 2 are a good opportunity for you to have a chat with the teacher and share any concerns you may have. In addition, you can also make an appointment to speak with a teacher at other times throughout the year.

What to do if you are worried that your child may have Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Children do not all learn at the same rate or pace. They may have difficulties with some aspects of their learning from time to time but most children with learning difficulties do not have special educational needs.

If you are worried about your child's progress

1. Contact the class teacher who will arrange a time to meet with you. The teacher will explain how your child is getting on in school and, if needed, will address any concerns you may have. They will also advise you on how you can help your child at home.
   
   
2. If, after a period of observation, the teacher thinks that additional provision in school is needed for your child, they will contact you and arrange a meeting to discuss this with you.

Below are some sites to visit to gain further help or advice for your child:-

https://view.pagetiger.com/RISENI/parents

The website is for the parents and carers of children in mainstream nurseries and primary schools. It promotes development of:

• speech and language
• fine and gross motor skills
• social and emotional development

https://send.eani.org.uk/support-services/literacy

The Education Authority’s Literacy Service provides support for children and young people with learning difficulties in literacy and dyslexia.

https://www.middletownautism.com/

The Centre for Autism in Middletown provides training and advice for parents.

https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/

Parentline NI provides advice, training and resources on a range of topics for parents.

The School is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.