How do I know which level of support my child is receiving?

A child has special educational needs (SEN) if they require provision to be made which is ‘additional to or different from’ that provided for the majority. At Valley Primary, we recognise our duties, as stated in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils with special educational needs have full and equal access to the curriculum and all aspects of school life, through appropriate use of funding, staffing and professional expertise. Our school has designed a curriculum which is exciting, relevant and matched to individual needs and learning styles.

Wave 1: High Quality Teaching

At Valley Primary School we believe 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 the ‘Wave 1’ or ‘High Quality Teaching’ level.

Wave 2: Interventions

Interventions at ‘Wave 2’ are planned to enable children to make accelerated progress to enable them work at, or above the expectations for their age. These are generally taught in a small group but are sometimes delivered one-to-one. The children are closely monitored and interventions are reviewed regularly. The child will either catch up to their peers or will be identified as needing SEN Support. 

Wave 3: SEN Support

Information gathering about the possibility of SEN will include discussion with the pupil and their parents / carers to identify areas of strengths, needs and any concerns. A child on SEN Support will receive ‘Wave 3’ interventions. These may be provided individually or in a small group. The support is personalised to enable the child to achieve his/her potential. This is additional to or different from the everyday curriculum for that class and is detailed in a Needs Based Plan (NBP). This plan is prepared by the class teacher, overseen by the SENDCo, and is reviewed termly and shared with parents at parents evening. It may also include provision / advice from an external agency or professional, such as a Speech and Language therapist.

For more significant need, your child may require more significant support in more than one area of need. If this is the case, their NBP will be escalated to a 'My Support Plan'. This plan is collaboratively created by the class teacher and SENDCo, and will include recommendations from any external professionals who may have worked with your child. This plan is reviewed termly in a meeting with parents, class teacher and SENDCo.

If a child continues to need significant support as they are not making progress or have a serious impairment which is affecting their day to day activities, they will be assessed by professionals and may need an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).

Solihull Local Offer - EHCP