Connor Downs Academy

Special Educational Needs

Children with additional needs are identified through a combination of observations of the children as individuals within their classes by our experienced staff, tracking the outcomes of assessments and through discussions with parents. At Connor Downs Academy our SENDco is Mrs Eddy. She works with the class teachers and teaching assistants to create programmes of support that meet the needs of the child. If you wish to discuss your child's learning programme, please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher in the first instance and then should you require further information please contact Mrs Eddy.

We work with a range of external agencies to provide the best support for all our children. There are too many to list, but they include:

Speech and Language Therapy
Dyslexia Support Service
Hearing Support Service
Social Communication Difficulties Team
Medical Professionals

The school works to offer a variety of enrichment opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, and aims to harness and develop the gifts and talents that our children display.

Trauma Informed Schools

As you are aware, we are delighted to have achieved the Trauma Informed Schools (TIS) National Award. A consultant from Trauma Informed Schools visited our Academy on 27th June, to decide if we would meet the criteria for the award which we did admirably, being recognised as a school with exemplary practice. Some of the many strengths identified through the visit were: The importance the school places on adult /child relationships and the subsequent nurturing and caring culture is the core of the school. Time after time adults and children talked about the ‘family’ of the school and how the school is a loving, caring community to be part of. Behaviour in the school is excellent because children’s needs are met and they are treated with kindness , fairness and respect as well as individuals where one size does not fit all. The use of the natural environment for encouraging and promoting positive mental health as well as for outdoor learning and play is outstanding. (TIS UK 2019) In summary the report stated: Connor Downs is an inspirational school where children are cared for and nurtured by a team of highly trained and supportive adults. It is a school that enables children to develop within an environment that is sensorially rich, and carefully planned to support emotional wellbeing. The value placed on the natural environment and the opportunities provided is excellent, enabling children to explore the world through horticulture, animal husbandry and engaging in outdoor play. The school is calm and purposeful. Children talked with enthusiasm about the school and clearly enjoy being part of the Connor Downs family. Staff also love being part of this team and enjoy their work. The school richly deserves the Trauma Informed School Award. (TIS UK 2019)

Should you wish to contact Mrs Eddy about any area of SEND provision our school, please contact the school office.