Special Educational Needs at Brooklands School by Brooklands SEN Team https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0 We pride ourselves at being second to none in supporting children with special educational needs in Leighton Buzzard. We have experience of supporting children with a wide range of needs, and working with parents to ensure that they make progress from their starting points. If you would like to talk to someone about your child, please contact Gayle Raybould, SENCO, via office@brooklands.school en-us 2021-04-15 13:04:26 UTC 2025-11-08 09:23:21 UTC hello@padlet.com Brooklands Special Needs on Twitter BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811323 Follow our Twotter account for updates: @BrooklandsSen]]> 2021-04-15 13:04:26 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811323 SEN Information Report 2021-2022 BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811333 2021-04-15 13:04:26 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811333 The SEND Department BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811336 Meet the team: (L-R) Debbie Cripps (Assistant SENCO), Gayle Raybould (SENCO), Rachel Scarff (SEMH Coach)]]> 2021-04-15 13:04:26 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420811336 Cognition and Learning BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420831062 Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is an umbrella term. Pupils with SpLD may have a particular difficulty in learning to read, write, spell or using numbers. Pupils may also have difficulties with short term memory, organisational skills, visual processing and coordination. Pupils with SpLD cover the whole ability range and the severity of their impairment varies widely. Examples of specific learning difficulties are: 
* Dyslexia 
* Dyspraxia/DCD 
* Dyscalculia]]> 2021-04-15 13:08:25 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420831062 Communication and Interaction BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420852284 Children with speech, language and communication needs have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.
Children and young people may have difficulty with:
  • Receptive Language
  • Difficulty in understanding and processing language
  • Expressive Language
  • Difficulty with the use of spoken language or nonverbal communication
  • Pragmatic/social communication
  • Difficulty with social interaction, social cognition, and pragmatics.
  • Speech sound difficulty
  • Difficulty with phonological skills or articulation skills. The difficulty may not be restricted to one area and may be demonstrated at different levels.  
]]> 2021-04-15 13:12:24 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1420852284 Sensory and Physical BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424954622 Sensory needs can be hearing loss and/or visual impairment or sensory processing difficulties and physical difficulties, can occur for a variety of reasons, e.g. congenital conditions , injury or disease. 
Different forms of Sensory and Physical Difficulties
Hearing Loss
  • Hearing loss can be sensorineural, conductive or mixed
  • The levels of hearing loss are mild, moderate, severe or profound. For medical definitions see EHC Criteria below.
Vision Loss
  • Visual impairment is an eye condition that cannot be fully corrected by glasses or contact lenses
  • The levels of vision are mild, moderate, severe or profound. For medical definitions see EHC Criteria below.
Multisensory Impairment
  • Multisensory impairment occurs when there is a hearing loss and visual impairment, which are both educationally significant although they may be at different levels.
Sensory Processing Difficulty
  • Our bodies and the environment send our brain information through our senses.  We process and organise this information so that we feel comfortable and secure. When a child has difficulty coping with these demands, they may have sensory processing difficulties.
  • A child may be under-sensitive or over-sensitive in the 5 areas:
    • Proprioception
    • Vestibular
    • Auditory
    • Oral Sensory
    • Tactile 
Physical Difficulty
  • Physical/medical injures can be for a variety of reasons, eg congenital conditions (some progressive), injury or disease.
    • A child with a physical difficulty may have a diagnosed medical condition which affects them physically. There may be an undiagnosed condition where the child presents with delayed development or impairment with their physical ability and/or presentation.
]]> 2021-04-16 11:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424954622 Social, Emotional and Mental Health BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424963619 Children and young people may experience a wide range of social and emotional difficulties. You may see them becoming withdrawn or isolated, as well as displaying challenging, disruptive or distressing behaviour. These behaviours may reflect underlying mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression, self-harming, substance misuse, eating disorders or physical symptoms that are medically unexplained. Other children and young people may have disorders such as attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder or attachment disorder. 

Children and young people with SEMH difficulties may display passive behaviours such as:
  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Being withdrawn
  • Avoiding risks
  • Unable to make choices
  • Low self-worth
  • Isolated
  • Refusing to accept praise
  • Failure to engage
  • Poor personal presentation
  • Lethargy/apathy
  • Daydreaming
  • Unable to make and maintain friendships
  • Speech anxiety/ reluctance to speak
  • Task avoidance

Children and young people with SEMH difficulties may display active behaviours such as:
  • Challenging behaviours
  • Restlessness/over-activity
  • Non-compliance
  • Mood swings
  • Impulsivity
  • Physical aggression
  • Verbal aggression
  • Perceived injustices
  • Disproportionate reactions to situations
  • Difficulties with change/transitions
  • Absconding
  • Eating issues
  • Lack of empathy
  • Lack of personal boundaries
  • Poor awareness of personal space
]]> 2021-04-16 11:49:39 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424963619 What is a special educational need? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424981523 In England, the government defines special needs as:
A child has special educational needs if they have a learning problem or disability that make it more difficult for them to learn than most children their age. They may have problems with schoolwork, communication or behaviour. 
'Special educational needs' is a legal definition and refers to children with learning problems or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children the same age.  
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/children-special-educational-needs
]]> 2021-04-16 11:56:57 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1424981523 Central Bedfordshire's Local Offer BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425331213 2021-04-16 13:31:48 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425331213 The SEN Team on Youtube BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425378160 2021-04-16 13:41:35 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425378160 Who are SENDIAS? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425406392 2021-04-16 13:47:04 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425406392 Who can I contact for support with mental health? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425414134 * School: Contact the main school office, or SENDCO - graybould@brooklands.school. We can see if speaking to a counsellor or an SEMH Coach might be useful
* Your GP. Make a list of all the things that are worrying you before going
* CHUMS - mental health and well being service for children: http://chums.uk.com
* CAMHS support. Contact through the Local Offer: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/18/health_and_social_care/325/mental_health
* Find a list of resources and phone apps that may be useful to maintain mental wellbeing during the Covid19 crisis and beyond. These resources are free to use unless otherwise stated. https://centralbedfordshire.app.box.com/s/tjfxcuh6xuzbgyx78u1w26xu3gs0yv7s
* Contact Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/ or subsribe to their Youtube channel for helpful advice:]]> 2021-04-16 13:48:44 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425414134 Supporting young people with Autism BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425440309 What is autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Autism affects about 1 in 54 children.

Who can I contact? Where can I go for more information or support?
  1. School: SENDCO - graybould@brooklands.school
  2. Your GP
  3. Autism in Beds: https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/
  4. Facebook Bedfordshire Autism support group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/586781791470589
  5. Carers in Beds: https://carersinbeds.org.uk/ 
  6. Outside in: https://outsidein-solutions.com/
]]> 2021-04-16 13:53:37 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425440309 What is dyslexia? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425531589 2021-04-16 14:12:35 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425531589 What is DCD (developmental Coordination Disorder)? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425537879 https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/Bedfordshire/services/occupational-therapy/developmental-skills-package ]]> 2021-04-16 14:13:39 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425537879 What is ADHD? BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425553474 2021-04-16 14:16:56 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425553474 Assess Plan Do Review BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425600000 The progress of children with an EHCP are reviewed using an APDR. An example is attached. It is reviewed 3 times a year. 
Children at SEN Support Stage 2 have a Provision Map which is also reviewed termly.]]> 2021-04-16 14:26:40 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1425600000 Supporting Reading at Home BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437611504 It is important to support reading and writing at home, as being able to comprehend information in all subjects is vital to making progress. At Brooklands School we have programmes such as IDL to support children whose reading age is lower than their chronological age https://idlsgroup.com/

What can you do to support literacy?
* Encourage reading for pleasure
Children should be encouraged to read books that the enjoy. It doesn't have to be books either. It could be magazines such as AQUILA https://www.aquila.co.uk/ that has a variety of topics and activities to go with them
* Listen to them read, and read to them  
If your child struggles to read age appropriate material, read to them. Ask them questions about what you are reading and check they understand the vocabulary within the text
* Listen to the news
Encourage your child to listen and watch the news and talk about new words that they may not have heard before. Improving a child's vocabulary and exposing them to new words will help them in school. It doesn't have to be the BBC news, it could be watching Newsround https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround ]]> 2021-04-20 12:49:21 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437611504 Supporting spelling at home BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437653258 When your child comes to Brooklands we may use a screener called GL Assessment if we have concerns about their literacy skills. GL Assessment will see if there are difficulties with spelling, reading comprehension and the ability to see shapes a patterns. These are not formal assessments, so if you have concerns we can recommend a specialist teacher to assess your child privately.
Every week in their English lessons, your child will receive spellings that follow word patterns that they need to practice at home. These spellings will be differentiated depending on their ability, and will be appropriate in supporting progress.

What can you do to support spellings?
* Practice spellings with your child
They will be tested on spellings each week- practice these at home and encourage them to recognise the patterns in the words
* Discuss new vocabulary and how it could be spelled.
For example on signs on buildings or vans.
* The English language is hard!!
Acknowledge that the English language is hard to learn! Although there are patterns there are lots of exceptions to the rules, so discuss these with them and empathise with how hard it is, whilst at the same time encouraging them not to give up if they find it hard]]> 2021-04-20 12:58:49 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437653258 School Based Anxiety BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437691969 School based anxiety can lead to school refusal and mental health difficulties. We recognise the difficulty that some children have geting into school- particularly after lockdown- and so if your child is experiencing difficulties getting to school in the mornings there are things you can do to support them:
* Listen to them
Listen to your child and their worries. Reassure them. Is there something specific about the start to the school day that is making them anxious?
* Routines
Have a clear routine to the start of the day and stick to it. Make sure bags are packed and uniform is ready the night before, so that you can avoid the last minute school dash
* Rely on friends
Encourage your child's friends to walk to school with them. It fosters independence and avoids the school gate clinging!
* Sensory support
Think about putting some perfume on a tissue, or trying Calm Balm https://skinandtoniclondon.com/products/calm-balm on wrists and temples. Can they carry a picture of you or the family with them? Could they bring a small comforter into school to keep in their bag?
* Talk to us!!
Have you talked to us at school? Think about getting in touch with their Form Tutor or Head of Year if there are difficulties so we can try to make the start of their day easier.

Take a look at the Young Minds website for some ideas:]]> 2021-04-20 13:07:15 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1437691969 Parents supporting parents BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1439442624 There are a number of local Facebook pages to support parents of children with SEND. The Central Bedfordshire SEND Action Group on Facebook is worth following. cbcsendaction@gmail.com]]> 2021-04-20 18:34:46 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1439442624 SNAP Parent Carer Forum BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1439457702 SNAP @snappcf is a parent carer forum for parents and carers of children and young people (0 – 25 years) with any additional needs in Central Bedfordshire.]]> 2021-04-20 18:37:57 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1439457702 Meet the Learning Support Assistants BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1451402656 Here is our amazing team:
(L-R): Mrs Clarke, Mrs Cole, Mrs Brazil, Mrs Dodds, Mrs Hill, Miss Starling, Mr Pakes, Mrs Vickers, Mr Penn, Miss Hudson ]]> 2021-04-23 12:32:20 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1451402656 Provision Maps (SEN Support Stage 2) BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1452254290 Children who are at Stage 2 of SEN Support will have their progress reviewed termly using a Provision Map (example attached)]]> 2021-04-23 15:30:16 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1452254290 ffgggg BrooklandsSENTeam https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1464642696 2021-04-27 14:43:31 UTC https://padlet.com/BrooklandsSENTeam/8f8t0q0ohpaxz4t0/wish/1464642696