We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure any the school can meet any needs appropriately.
Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council and further information can be found in the school Admissions Policy that can be found in the School Policies section of our website.
Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.
Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of SEN
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement of Special Education Needs) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school. Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.
The majority of Children with Special Educational Needs can be supported at any primary school.
Support for individual pupils is determined by Durham Local Authority through Education, Health and Care Assessment. The Durham Local Authority Admissions criteria stipulates that children are offered a Primary school place according to their age. Our Admissions Policy includes a statement with regards to pupils with SEN.
If your child has additional needs that we need to consider and that may entitle them to be given priority during the admission process, please ensure that this is included when applying for a place during the admission process. The form is available online and has a space to include such information.
It is usual practice for parents of pupils with additional needs to visit he school prior to the start of the admissions’ process. St Pius school staff will attend SEND review meetings in the early years setting, where appropriate. We believe that we should plan for successful transition, information sharing and preparation to make the transfer to Primary school as smooth as possible.
The School Admission Policy, SEN Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy can be found in the School Policies section of our website.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
