New SEND provision success: Greenfield Primary Academy
The new SEND Unit at Greenfield Primary Academy is already making a huge difference, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the staff team. Every member of staff has a background in SEND and a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs. Ongoing CPD ensures they are always up to date with best practice, creating a safe, supportive and highly skilled environment for learning.
Greenfield Academy have put inclusivity first as children in the two SEND classrooms are not separated but fully included in the school community. Transition is an integral part of the offer at Greenfield Academy, taking time to get to know the child and their family, especially for children who may not have been in a full-time setting before. Parent voice matters and the relationship between home and school is critically important to success. Greenfield Academy champion this link and work very hard to involve parents at every step of their child’s journey.
Katie Ellis, parent of Arlo in the Starburst Room, shared:
“Arlo and I felt comfortable right away. Every staff member made us feel part of the school community-it’s amazing!”
The learning environments are carefully designed to meet the individual needs of every child. With provision including a soft play area, sensory area, regulation area and outdoor learning, children can access spaces that suit their specific requirements. This focus on tailored provision helps each child feel understood and supported.
The curriculum is based on individual need and places the child at the heart, focusing closely on the child’s identified needs through their EHCP, observations and assessment. Children access a mixture of focused learning with adults, guided activities and independent learning opportunities. Where appropriate, links with their mainstream peers are developed such as through swimming, trips, and extracurricular activities.
Danielle Lewis, parent of Eli in the Sunshine Room, said:
“My son is happy, and the staff are incredibly supportive. They understand his needs and are non-judgemental, which means so much to a SEND parent.”
Staff use a range of symbols, such as visual cues for “wait” and “now/next” to aid understanding. All staff and children throughout school also take part in “sign of the week”, learning sign language together and building skills that make communication more accessible for everyone.
Children are also supported in managing their emotions and developing strategies to deal with them effectively using the Zones of Regulation. This approach gives them the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Greenfield are lucky to have a weekly visit from a Pets as Therapy dog called Poppy.
Greenfield Academy- which is part of The Harmony Trust- is deeply committed to providing high-quality, inclusive education for all pupils.
“The feedback from parents, especially those of children with SEND, reflects the dedication of our staff and the strength of our provision. We remain committed to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive whether in mainstream, or as part of our SEND Unit.” -Zoe Neophitou, Academy Principal.
