SEN: Frequently Asked Questions

We work closely with feeder primary schools and ensure we receive all necessary information on levels, targets, and support requirements of each pupil. The SENCo and Assistant SENCo meet primary SENCos before they start at Trinity School which allows us to get to know the students and identify any areas of concern at an early stage. Students complete a number of standardised tests at the start of Year 7, which give us a greater insight into their learning needs.  Students are monitored throughout their school career by teachers and our support staff. Any concerns are flagged up and dealt with as quickly as possible. If parents have any queries or concerns, they can contact the form tutor at any time.

Each SEN Support Level student will have a provision plan, highlighting areas of support. We provide targeted individual support which may include in class support; a differentiated curriculum; small group and small group intervention sessions. Students are supported by their teaching staff, pastoral staff and LSAs throughout their time at Trinity School.

We are ambitious that where possible, all students access the whole curriculum at Key Stage 3.

Some students have additional support in core subjects, supported by the class teacher in conjunction with learning support.  While groups are mixed ability, teachers differentiate the curriculum, some students may work in smaller groups within the classroom focusing on specific areas as identified by the class teacher.

A small group of students are also opted out of modern foreign languages in years 7, 8 and 9. This allows focussed support from a teacher to develop literacy skills. Students are also taught in this smaller setting in mathematics, history and geography which allows for greater support in numeracy and extended writing skills respectively.

At Trinity School we aim to develop close links with parents and carers. There are a number of opportunities through the year for parents/carers to talk to staff. Reports are sent home after each assessment data entry point. Parents and carers are welcome to phone or email staff at any time with concerns, questions or queries. Advice can be sought at any time from individual subjects and the Learning Support Team on how parents can support students at home.

The SEN Department has worked hard to develop close working relationships with specialist support services available in the local community and through the LEA. In addition, many of our Learning Support staff have areas of specific interest and expertise such as Dyslexia; Dyscalculia; Autistic Spectrum Disorder; social and emotional needs; physical and medical impairments; social skills and speech, language and communication needs. The SEN Team also works closely with Trinity School’s pastoral support team, especially our in-house counsellor, Early Help, Social Services and Early Intervention staff.

All students are encouraged to join clubs. SEN Support Level students are monitored and special attention is paid to their level of participation. As a Department, we try to ensure that all students can go on trips they would like to attend, by offering support and guidance, including help with costs for Pupil Premium students.

The site team is vigilant in making sure the site is safe for all users including those with disabilities. We have a disabled toilet and lift for student use.

We have close connections with our feeder primary schools. Students may begin visiting Trinity throughout their time at primary school, as our site is used by the local community in the evenings. In this way, they become familiar with the school. More specific work with primary schools begins in Year 6. Our SENCO and other team members gather information from primary schools at this time, and then meets the primary SENCOs to discuss students in more depth. This is then followed by further events for parents and students. During the last term of Year 6 we hold a Transition day where students get to know the school, teaching and support staff who will be working most closely with them.  The SEN team will also make visits to primary schools to discuss the needs of some students.

In terms of Post 16 education and training, we work alongside students and their parents/carers to facilitate the move onto further education by supporting students and parents with applications for our own sixth form or to obtain places on appropriate courses at local colleges.   A high number of SEN students return to Trinity School for the Sixth Form. We are proud of the range of courses available to students in the Sixth Form.

If you are part of the school community please contact your son / daughter's form tutor initially.  They will liaise with SEN if appropriate.