At Silver Birch Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, achieve and flourish. Guided by our vision, "Where Learning Blossoms...", we are committed to providing an inclusive, nurturing and ambitious learning environment where all pupils are valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We recognise that children learn in different ways and may require varying levels of support throughout their educational journey. Our dedicated SEND team works collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families and external professionals to ensure that every child receives the provision they need to access the curriculum, develop confidence and make meaningful progress.

We pride ourselves on fostering strong partnerships with parents and carers, recognising that working together is key to securing the very best outcomes for children.

Our SEND Team

Our experienced and knowledgeable team is committed to supporting children with a wide range of additional needs.

• Mrs S. Prior - SENDCo
• Mrs F. Syeda - Lead Teacher of the Deaf
• Miss A. Croft - SEND Administrator

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's needs, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact a member of the SEND team.

Telephone: 0191 5009695
Email: office@silverbirchprimary.co.uk

How We Support Children with SEND

Children may receive support in a variety of ways, including:

• Quality First Teaching within the classroom
• Small group interventions
• Individualised support programmes
• Specialist resources and equipment
• Therapeutic and pastoral support
• Collaboration with external agencies and specialist services

Support is carefully tailored to each child's individual strengths, needs and aspirations. We regularly review progress alongside parents and pupils to ensure provision remains effective and responsive.

Our Specialist Deaf Provision

We are proud to host a Specialist Resourced Provision for Deaf Children, providing an inclusive and supportive environment for pupils with hearing impairments from Reception to Year 6.

Our highly trained team works closely with children, families and specialist services to ensure pupils can access learning, communication and social opportunities successfully. Specialist teaching, tailored support and the promotion of inclusive communication enable pupils to thrive academically and socially as part of our school community.

British Sign Language (BSL) is celebrated and promoted throughout school, helping to raise awareness, build understanding and create a truly inclusive environment for all.

Promoting British Sign Language (BSL)

We actively support and celebrate Sign Language Week, an annual initiative led by the British Deaf Association (BDA). This national event highlights the importance of British Sign Language and celebrates Deaf culture and community.

Through special activities, assemblies and learning opportunities, pupils develop an understanding of inclusion, communication and equality while learning basic BSL signs and phrases.

Useful resources:

• British Deaf Association (BDA)
• CBeebies - British Sign Language and Makaton
• Communicating with Sign Language
• Learn the BSL Alphabet

Understanding SEND

A child is identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) when they require provision that is additional to or different from that ordinarily available for children of the same age.

At Silver Birch Primary School, we follow the graduated approach of:

Assess → Plan → Do → Review

This ensures that support is regularly monitored, evaluated and adapted to meet changing needs.

The Four Areas of SEND

Children's needs may fall within one or more of the following areas:

Communication and Interaction

Some children may experience difficulties with speech, language, communication or social interaction, including those with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Cognition and Learning

Children may require support for learning difficulties including:

• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia
• Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Some children may need support with emotional wellbeing, relationships, anxiety, self-regulation, attention difficulties or mental health needs.

Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Children with hearing impairments, visual impairments, multisensory impairments or physical disabilities may require specialist support, equipment or adaptations to access learning fully.

SEND Ranges

We follow the Sunderland SEND Ranges, which help schools identify levels of need and determine the most appropriate provision, strategies and support for individual pupils.

SEND Ranges provide a framework that ensures children receive support matched to their current needs. As children grow and develop, these levels of support may change in response to their progress and presenting needs.

Further information can be found through:

• Sunderland SEND Ranges
• Sunderland Parent Carer Forum

Working Together with Families

Parents and carers play a vital role in their child's education. We are committed to maintaining open and positive communication, involving families in decision-making and ensuring they are fully informed about the support their child receives.

We encourage parents to contact us at any stage if they would like to discuss their child's progress, wellbeing or additional needs.

Together, we can ensure every child feels valued, included and empowered to succeed.

SEND Policies and Information

Please see the links below for:

SEND Information Report
SEND Policy
Accessibility Plan
Sunderland SEND Ranges
Local Offer Information
Admissions Information