Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Every child belongs at Amington Heath

At Amington Heath Primary School and Nursery, inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We believe that every child should feel that they belong, be able to take part fully in school life and have the support they need to learn, develop and thrive.

Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates. Some children may need additional or different support at some point during their time at school, while others may have longer-term special educational needs or disabilities.

We work closely with children, families and professionals to identify needs early, remove barriers to learning and provide appropriate support. Our aim is always to help children become confident, successful and increasingly independent learners.

Our Approach to SEND

High-quality, inclusive classroom teaching is the starting point for all children. Where a child needs additional support, this may include adaptations to teaching, targeted intervention, additional resources, support with communication, emotional wellbeing or sensory needs, or advice from specialist professionals.

Support is based on the individual child rather than simply on a diagnosis or label. We regularly review children’s needs and the support they receive, working in partnership with parents and carers.

Our SEND Team

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Jen Bee

Our SENCO coordinates SEND provision across the school and nursery and works closely with children, parents and carers, teachers, support staff and external professionals.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, development or additional needs, we encourage you to speak to us. Your child’s class teacher will usually be the best first point of contact, or you can contact our SENCO directly.

Telephone: 01827 337465
Email: senco@amingtonheath.staffs.sch.uk

Finding the Right Information

Our SEND pages and Staffordshire’s SEND services provide further information about how we identify and support children with additional needs and how families can access help.

SEND Information Report
Detailed information about SEND provision at Amington Heath, including how we identify needs, the support and provision available, working with families and professionals, transition and how we review children’s progress.

Local Offer
Information about the support available for children and young people with SEND and their families, both within school and across Staffordshire.

Supporting Your Child
Practical information and guidance for families, including ways to support children with different areas of need.

Useful SEND Links & Resources
Links to trusted organisations, services and sources of further information and support.

Working in Partnership

Parents and carers know their children best. We value open, honest communication and want families to feel able to talk to us about concerns, successes and changes in their child’s needs.

Children’s views are equally important. We involve children in discussions about their support in ways that are appropriate to their age and understanding, helping them to recognise their strengths, understand what helps them and have a voice in decisions that affect them.

Where appropriate, we also work with external professionals and specialist services to ensure that children receive the right support at the right time.

Staffordshire Local Offer

Staffordshire’s Local Offer brings together information about education, health, care, support and activities available for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and their families.

Visit the Staffordshire SEND Local Offer

Mental Health Support at Amington Heath

At Amington Heath Primary School, your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We want every child to feel happy, supported, and able to do their very best. To help us achieve this, we work closely with families, staff, and specialist mental health professionals.

Who Supports Mental Health in Our School?
• Senior Mental Health Lead:
Mrs Kelly Wyatt
• Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP):
Michelle Page
Our school works in partnership with the NHS Mental Health Support Team (MHST), who help us provide early support for children experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health needs.

What Does the MHST Do?
The MHST supports children, families, and schools in three key ways:
1. Providing Support for Mild-to-Moderate Difficulties
They offer early help for concerns such as anxiety, low mood, worries, and mild sleep issues.
2. Helping Us Develop a Positive Mental Health Culture
They work with us to strengthen our whole-school approach to wellbeing.
3. Giving Advice and Linking with Other Services
They offer guidance to school staff and help coordinate support if a child may benefit from another service.

When Might a Child Be Referred to MHST?
Some children may benefit from extra support if they are experiencing:
• Anxiety or excessive worrying
• Low mood
• Trouble sleeping
• Early emotional difficulties

MHST offers low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other early interventions designed to help children understand and manage their feelings.

How the Referral Process Works
If we feel your child may benefit from MHST support, here’s what happens:
1. Identifying a Concern
A child’s needs might be noticed by staff, parents, or the child themselves.
2. Consultation
The concern is discussed—without using names—between our Mental Health Lead and Michelle (EMHP).
3. Parent and Child Consent
We will always speak to you first. A referral is only made with your consent and your child’s.
4. Referral Screening
MHST practitioners review the referral and decide next steps. They may accept it, ask for more information, or suggest another service if it’s not the right fit.
5. Assessment
If accepted, MHST will arrange an initial assessment with your child and keep you updated.
6. Next Steps
MHST will let the school, GP, and family know the outcome and plan of support.

What Does Support Look Like?
• Assessments can take place in school.
• MHST usually offers 6–8 sessions of support.
• Sessions might be 1:1 or in small groups.
• Support can also take place during school holidays.
• Because the support is CBT-based, children may be asked to try small tasks at home between sessions.
• Family involvement is really important and helps children make progress.
These sessions give children the chance to talk, understand their feelings, and learn helpful strategies in a safe and supportive space.

Our Whole-School Approach to Mental Health
We want our school to be a place where mental health and wellbeing are talked about openly and positively. Working with MHST helps us make sure that pupils, parents, and staff all have the tools they need to look after their wellbeing.
Our Current Offer Includes:
• Our EMHP, Michelle, in school every Wednesday
• Access to 1:1 low-level CBT sessions (via referral)
• Wellbeing workshops for whole classes
• Parent Workshops

Need More Information?
If you have any questions or would like to talk about support for your child, please contact our school office. Our Senior Mental Health Lead will be happy to get in touch and discuss how we can help.