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SEND

Special Educational Needs

At Clarion, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Our vision for inclusion extends beyond the academic curriculum, embracing all aspects of school life. We strive to eliminate barriers to learning and participation through structured support, close monitoring, and exceptional teaching and learning opportunities, ensuring every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

We provide personalised support to help our students grow as confident, independent learners. A key focus is improving literacy skills for all. Our experienced Literacy Team promotes a love of reading and provides targeted support for students who need additional help. Through tailored interventions, such as one-to-one and small group sessions, we ensure that literacy challenges never hinder achievement. Our goal is for every student to access and enjoy a rich variety of high-quality literature regularly, fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading.

 

The Lighthouse 

The Clarion Lighthouse is deeply committed to ensuring that our students receive the essential scaffolding and support necessary to not only access mainstream classes but also to actively participate in the social fabric of school life. We understand that each student possesses unique needs, and as such, we meticulously assess and agree upon individualised timetables that strike an optimal balance between studying within the Lighthouse and engaging in mainstream classes.

Recognising that students may have differing priorities, we are dedicated to accommodating these needs by offering a tailored curriculum within the Clarion Lighthouse. Here, students have the opportunity to benefit from specialised services such as speech and language therapy, occasional occupational therapy, as well as comprehensive education in Personal Social and Relationships Education (RSHE). Additionally, we provide pre- and post-tutoring sessions aimed at enhancing their academic performance. Moreover, we offer designated 'catch-up time' and dedicated support for students who may encounter difficulties in completing homework assignments at home.

 

Key Information

We have listed below some key information for parent and carers, for further information please see the attached SEND policy documents at the bottom of the page.

Who is the SENDCo at Clarion?

Our SENDCo is Mrs Beddoes. They can be contacted via email kbe@clarion.school

How do you identify SEND in students?

We use a combination of:

  • Information from primary schools during transition.

  • Teacher observations and subject performance.

  • Termly data tracking and assessments.

  • Conversations with students and parents.

  • Advice from external professionals, if needed.

 

We follow the Graduated Approach: Assess – Plan – Do – Review.

What should I do if I think my child has SEND?

Please contact your child’s tutor or Year leader and SENDCo.

We’ll listen to your concerns and may carry out further assessments, classroom observations, or referrals to specialists, if necessary.

How will the school support my child?

Support may include:

  • Quality First Teaching (differentiated in-class support).

  • Learning support staff in lessons.

  • Targeted interventions (e.g. literacy, social skills, emotional wellbeing).

  • Access arrangements for exams.

  • Use of assistive technology or learning aids.

  • Pastoral or mentoring support.

 

Support is reviewed regularly and adapted as needed.

How is my child involved in their SEND support?

Students are encouraged to:

  • Contribute their views to support plans and reviews.

  • Take part in setting and reviewing their own targets.

  • Understand their strengths and areas of need.

  • Develop strategies for independent learning.

How will I be kept informed?

We value working in partnership with families. We will:

  • Hold regular review meetings (at least termly).

  • Share progress and provision updates.

  • Keep in touch via phone, email or in-person meetings.

  • Offer strategies for supporting learning at home.

What is an EHCP and does my child need one?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for students with more complex needs who require long-term specialist support. Most students with SEND are supported effectively through SEN Support. If we feel an EHCP may be appropriate, we’ll discuss this with you and guide you through the process.

What external agencies might support my child?

We work with a wide range of professionals, including:

  • Educational Psychologists.

  • CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services).

  • Speech and Language Therapists.

  • Occupational Therapists.

  • Specialist teachers (e.g. visual/hearing impairment).

  • Physio team.

  • Barnet Inclusion Team Autism Advisory Team.

How does the school support transitions?

We provide tailored support for key transition points:

  • Year 6 to Year 7: extra visits, transition meetings, personalised support Year 6 to Year 7: extra visits, transition meetings, personalised support.

  • Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: options guidance and curriculum support Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: options guidance and curriculum support.

  • Post-16 transition: support with college applications, careers advice, EHCP reviews (if applicable), and liaising with post-16 providersPost-16 transition: support with college applications, careers advice, EHCP reviews (if applicable), and liaising with post-16 providers.

What is the SEND Register?

This is a record of students in the school identified as having SEND. Being on the register means staff are aware of a student's needs and can adapt teaching and support accordingly. It is reviewed regularly and we always involve families in decisions about inclusion or removal from the register.

Where can I find more information?