Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) at Mereside

At Mereside C of E Primary Academy, we seek to provide a supportive learning environment for all children. Our philosophy is to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school. We aim to be as inclusive as we can, with the needs of pupils with Special Eductional Needs and/or Disabilities being met in a mainstream setting wherever possible. Making the most of each child’s potential involves careful assessment, planning and monitoring of work. Should a child need additional support, this could be provided either by the child’s own teacher, a class support assistant working under the direction of the class teacher or our Special Educational Needs and Disability co-ordinator (SENDCo) Mrs B Bryant. We work closely with a range of outside agencies who are able to offer support and advice where appropriate.

Our strengths

This is what OFSTED said about SEND provision at Mereside during our last inspection.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included in all aspects of school life. Their needs are identified quicky, and support is put in place. The school liaises well with external agencies. Those with specific needs, including those with social and emotional needs, receive tailored and effective support, including in the ‘learning lounge’.”

OFSTED 2024

Who we have to help

Mrs B Bryant – SENDCo

Mrs Bryant is an experienced SENDCo, working across two schools within the trust. She is based at Mereside 2.5 days per week.

Mrs L Hughes – Headteacher

Mrs Hughes is our Head of School and works closely with Mrs Bryant and Mr Dickson to lead and monitor progress of all children throughout school.

Mr Rod Dickson – Hub Lead

Mr Dickson, who works closely with Mrs Hughes to strategically lead and monitor progress of all children throughout school, through whole school development.

Mr D Castledine– Link LAC member for SEND

Mr Castledine is responsible for SEND and meets regularly with Mrs Hughes.

Class teachers are every child’s first educators and are responsible for the progress of all children within their class.

Teaching Assistants offer support with learning during whole class teaching as well as with small group or individual targeted work. A number of our teaching assistants have particular qualifications in specific areas of Special Needs.

Parents are vital in supporting children’s learning. We encourage all parents to regularly support learning at home and attend all review meetings to discuss the provision in place for their child and the progress being made. Through strong partnership working decisions can be made jointly to ensure children make the best possible progress.

Please note that our SEND and Inclusion Policy and SEND Information Report are both contained within the same document below:

SEND-Policy-and-Information-Report-2026-2027

Accessibility-Plan-2026-2027

Broad-Areas-of-Need-SEND-Code-of-Practice

Waves-of-Progression-2026-2027

Admission Arrangements- for pupils with disabilities

School admissions code 2021

Allergen Guidance- Benedict’s Law

Keeping Our Children Safe: Benedict’s Law

From 1st September 2026, new statutory requirements under Benedict’s Law will strengthen allergy safety in schools across England. The changes have been introduced following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe and aim to ensure that children with allergies receive consistent protection and support in school.

At Mereside C of E Primary Academy, we are committed to meeting these requirements through a comprehensive Allergy Policy, individual Allergy Action Plans and Health Care Plans, appropriate emergency adrenaline auto-injectors and allergy awareness and anaphylaxis training for staff. We will continue to work closely with pupils, parents/carers and healthcare professionals to ensure that every child with an allergy can learn, play and participate safely and confidently in school life.

Our priority is simple: to make Mereside a safe, inclusive and allergy-aware school for every child.

Benedict’s Law

St Chad’s Allergy and Anaphylaxis Policy 2026-2027

SEND Coffee Afternoons 2026-2027 ☕️

Join us for relaxed and informal SEND Coffee Afternoons – an opportunity for parents and carers to meet, connect with one another and chat with members of our SEND team.

Come along for a coffee, a chat and a chance to share experiences, ask questions and find out more about the support available in school.