Individual Needs

at John Taylor Free School

Supporting Students with Individual Needs

At John Taylor Free School, we want every student to feel supported, included and able to achieve their full potential. We work closely with students, families and external agencies to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

This page outlines our approach to SEND, the support available and how we work in partnership with families throughout a student’s time at school.

How we support students with SEND

Our SENDCo, Mrs Broughton, oversees the provision and support for students with additional needs across the school. She works closely with the Individual Needs Team, Heads of Year, teaching staff and pastoral teams to ensure that every student’s needs are understood and that the right support is provided at the right time.

Through early identification, regular review and a collaborative approach, we help students access the curriculum, participate fully in school life and make successful progress towards their individual goals.

We regularly review students’ progress and needs to ensure that appropriate support remains in place. The deployment of Learning Support Assistants, including in-class support, small-group work and targeted withdrawal, is determined by the needs of the student cohort and reviewed regularly to ensure that resources are used effectively.

Miss Woolley, Deputy SENDCo, works alongside the Individual Needs Team and has particular responsibility for overseeing Examination Access Arrangements, ensuring that eligible students receive the appropriate support in assessments.

Our Approach

We aim to:

Provide appropriate support that meets each student’s individual needs.
Enable students with SEND to participate fully in school life alongside their peers.
Work closely with students, parents/carers and school staff to identify and address barriers to learning.
Coordinate academic and pastoral support around each student.
Keep parents/carers informed and involved throughout the process.
Regularly review support to ensure it remains effective and responsive to students’ needs.

EHCP and Transition Support

The Individual Needs Team works closely with Heads of Year and the wider pastoral team to support students at key points of transition throughout their education, particularly students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

We work alongside families and professionals from education, health and other services to coordinate support, share information and help students navigate key stages of their educational journey.

We review EHCPs at least annually, bringing together students, families, school staff and relevant professionals to discuss progress, review provision and plan for future development and independence.

Supporting the most able students

Some students benefit from additional academic challenge. We provide opportunities for deeper thinking, extended learning and increased independence to ensure that the most able students remain engaged, challenged and supported in achieving their full potential.

Support may include differentiated teaching, opportunities for deeper learning and careful monitoring to ensure students continue to be challenged and make strong progress over time.

Support for Looked After Children

We provide tailored support for looked after children to help them feel secure, included and successful during their time at school. Staff work closely with families, carers and external agencies to ensure that support remains appropriate and responsive to individual needs.