Student Support and SEND

At Fairfield High School for Girls, our aims for pupils with SEND are the same as for all pupils. Rooted in a deep history of educating young women, our curriculum challenges and inspires and is underpinned with the principle of “outstanding progress for all”. This is because we believe every pupil, including pupils with SEND, is capable of great achievement and personal development.

The school has a comprehensive policy on SEND, which is regularly updated in the light of changing Government legislation to ensure all pupils (SEND) are treated as favourably as other pupils. All members of staff, in conjunction with the authorities, (Governing Body and LA) have a responsibility to ensure that every pupil has an equal opportunity to attain their maximum potential in all aspects of the curriculum. It is recognised throughout the school that special educational needs occur at all levels of ability and may be temporary, or long term. The school welcomes the help and support of the parents/carers in meeting the SEN of their daughters.

Key Documents

Student Support Faculty Staff

We are extremely fortunate to have a qualified and experienced staff working in Student Support who are able to support both pupils and staff across the wide area of Special Educational Needs. 

• Mrs C Stewart – Director of SEND (SENCO)
• Mrs E Askew – Assistant Director of SEND
• Mrs N Marson – Assistant EAL Co-ordinator and Lead TA
• Mrs C Heeney – Teaching Assistant
• Miss A Heeney – Teaching Assistant
• Miss F Durand – Teaching Assistant
• Miss J Gerrard – Teaching Assistant
• Miss S Oakes – Teaching Assistant
• Miss J Berry – Teaching Assistant
• Miss C Andrews – Teaching Assistant

Mrs C Stewart – SENDCO

Mrs E Askew – Assistant SENDCO

Extra-Curricular and Enrichment Activities

Student Support is open to all pupils every lunchtime. During this time, pupils can access support with their home learning and access a computer and printer. A quiet space for a small number of KS4 pupils to work in is also available. Student Support also runs a number of other lunch-time clubs aimed at supporting some of our more vulnerable pupils during social time. Homework Club is extremely popular and pupils need to book a place at break time on the same day. All pupils are welcome to join us and make new friends at Monday Meet Up, learn about relaxation and the environment at .b & eco Club. Mindful Colouring Club takes place on fridays and allows for the pupils to come and be creative.

Admissions

The admission arrangements of the school provide for the admittance of pupils with respect to the published criteria regardless of SEN or disability. Pupils with sensory impairment, learning difficulties or most medical conditions are catered for. The school does not have any additional resource facilities in this respect, but we work closely with the Local Authority (LA) Support Services. Parents are advised that the LA’s accessibility audit has identified that the school is unsuitable for pupils with major mobility problems. There is no lift access to some parts of the first and second floors and there are different levels within some floors. There is an accessible toilet and shower in the Sports Hall, and accessible toilets within the main school building. Fairfield High School for Girls is fully committed to equal opportunities through the promotion of equality and diversity. Discrimination of any type is unacceptable. Full details of this policy can be found in the Policies section of our website.

Learning and Teaching

All pupils, including those with SEND, experience quality first provision in the classroom, resulting in a high quality education for all. Staff have regular training on effective differentiation. Staff are made aware of pupil’s additional needs and employ practical strategies to support pupils in lessons. In-class support is provided by Teaching Assistants. For some pupils, additional interventions are appropriate to meet their needs. These may be in small groups or one to one. Where pupils are withdrawn from lessons the focus is on a range of additional support linked to their assessed needs.

Tameside Local Offer

The Local Offer website from Tameside Council, brings together a range of support services and information for children and young people aged 0-25, with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  Here you can find information and advice to support children and families with SEND.

Accessibility Plan

This document is drawn up in accordance with the Equality Act. The key objective is to reduce and eliminate barriers to access to the curriculum and the physical environment and enable full participation for all. A full copy of this plan can be found below.