Special Needs Policy

The school policy recognises that the needs of all pupils who have Special Educational Needs should be addressed, if at all possible, within the resources of the school.  Their rights to have access to a broad and balanced curriculum including maximum possible access to the Northern Ireland Curriculum are acknowledged.

Special Educational Needs are circumstances which reduce a pupil’s access to learning whether through learning, physical, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Aims

1. To provide a broad and balanced education in a caring and supportive environment, integrating all Special Educational Needs pupils as far as possible into the life of the school.
2. To seek to identify pupils with Special Educational Needs through a variety of means and in consultation with appropriate personnel.
3. To develop a system of assessment, planning, action and review to cater for the needs of Special Educational Needs pupils.
4. To encourage parental involvement.
5. To engage the support and co-operation of other relevant professionals.
6. To encourage all pupils with Special Educational Needs to have a positive self-image, to develop to his or her full potential, and to involve them in decisions about their own learning.

Admission Arrangements

Where a pupil is identified by the parent or by the primary school as having Special Educational Needs, consultation will take place with parents (and other professionals, as appropriate), to establish the provision necessary.

Special Facilities

Ramped access is available to the Bruce and Jackson Buildings.  There is lift access to the upper floors of the Bruce, Jackson and Darbyshire Buildings.  The Board of Governors is investigating ways in which access to other areas may be improved.

Arrangements for Co-ordinating Provision

1. Provision will be co-ordinated by the Special Needs Co-ordinator (Miss M McCullough) in consultation with the Deputy Principal (Mrs Y Hollinger).
2. The Special Needs Co-ordinator will help to identify pupils with Special Needs, will maintain an SEN register and records on pupils with Special Educational Needs, and will liase appropriately with class teachers.
3. The Special Needs Co-ordinator will manage and develop appropriate resources.

Identification and Assessment of SEN

Identification of need will take place through a variety of means:

• information from parents and/or primary school
• concerns expressed by class or Heads of Year
• the use of standardised assessments as deemed necessary
• assessment by specialist personnel where required.

Provision

Provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs will most often be within the normal classroom situation.  Class teachers will be made aware of relevant needs, and advice will be given about appropriate strategies.

In the case of specific learning difficulties, pupils may receive some specialist teaching in small withdrawal groups, particularly in the junior years.

School News

SPRING CONCERT

23rd Mar 2010

Ulster Hall - 23rd March - 7.30pm

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THE ACADEMY THROUGH TO SCHOOLS’ CUP FINAL

17th Mar 2010

16 - 12 win against Wallace High School

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HOCKEY NEWS

10th Mar 2010

Shield semi-final win & selections for U15 Area Board Tournament

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MUSIC NEWS

9th Mar 2010

Ballymena Music Festival

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