From September 2014 Local Authorities (LA) and schools are required to publish and keep under review information about services they expect to be available for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) aged 0-25. This is called the ‘Local Offer‘.

The intention of the Local Offer is to improve choice for families and will also be an important resource for parents in understanding the range of services and provision in the local area.

Welcome to our SEND information page. Hopefully you will find everything that you need. We are continually adding information about SEND on our website. If you would like to discuss SEND in more detail please contact Samantha Drysdale on 01207 560325 our SENDCo or Gemma Ridley Executive  Deputy Head Teacher, to arrange an appointment on 01661 842271.

At Whittonstall First School we recognise that all pupils are entitled to a quality of provision that will enable them to achieve their potential. We believe in positive intervention, removing barriers to learning, raising expectations and levels of achievement and working in partnership with other agencies in order to provide a positive educational experience for all our pupils including those with a special educational need or disability.

Our school recognises there are particular groups of pupils whose circumstances require additional consideration by those who work with them to support their SEND. If you have any concerns about how your child is progressing, or is dealing with any other aspect of school life, please contact the SENDCo.

We have a Designated Teacher for Looked after Children who works closely with the SENDCo to ensure all teachers in school understand the implications for those children who are looked after and have SEND.

We ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs make the best possible progress.

First Aid

The majority of staff in both our schools have undertaken basic first aid training.
In addition to this, the following staff have completed specialised Paediatric First Aid Training.

Whittonstall First School
Mrs Samantha Drysdale- Lead First Aider
Mr Alex Hammersley
Mrs Claire Spencer
Ms Monica Wilson

Below are some information links for parents of organisations that may support and give advice and information.

Northumberland County Council Local Offer (link)

National Autistic Society

National Deaf Children’s Society

Asthma UK

Epilepsy Society

Diabetes UK

Anaphylaxis