Inclusion at Whittle Academy

At Whittle Academy we believe in the individual. All children are valued for their unique contribution to a whole school ethos of inclusion. Alongside the teaching and learning of academic skills required for adult life, we work hard to ensure everyone has opportunity to discover their own strengths and develop these to feel successful and fulfilled. 

“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree; it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Albert Einstein 

We also have an extensive variety of clubs where children can try new interests and develop skills outside of classroom learning. 

Along with developing the whole child we are very mindful that children need to gain certain key skills to give them the best opportunities in life. We are committed to children reaching their academic potential. 

Introduction to SEND at Whittle Academy

Not every child finds learning easy all the time. At Whittle Academy we understand that effective provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs is vital to ensure all children achieve and reach their full academic potential. The SEN Code of Practice (2014) describes a child or young person as having SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her. A person has a learning difficulty if he or she; 
 
*has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or 
*has a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions. 
 
This provision is defined as any education or training provision which is additional to or different from that generally made for other of the same age in mainstream schools, or Post-16 institutions in England (C&F 2014 20) 

The persons responsible for SEND at Whittle Academy are: 

• Head of Education, Primary – Mr Rob Darling 
• Headteacher – Mrs Amy Husband and Mrs Michelle Harris 
• SENCo- Mrs Vicky Prudham covering Miss Amy Charles (maternity leave) 
• Inclusion Governor – Vacancy 
• All Teaching staff, in their provision for all children 

The Inspire Education Trust has developed a SEN information report to help parents understand how we support children with SEND. This report forms the “School Offer” which is part of the Coventry Local offer for Special Educational Needs (SEN). We have also engaged in ‘Achievement for All.’ 
 
Here at Whittle, we know the best possible outcomes for children are achieved when everyone works together. The partnership between school and parents is very important to ensure children reach their potential. We have collaborated in the production of this offer, and we are also keen to continue to get parental feedback, please look out for our invites to meet individually with you or alternatively contact the school SENCO directly. 
 
Star Thrower Story 
“Once, on ancient Earth, there was a human boy walking along a beach. There had just been a storm, and starfish had been scattered along the sands. The boy knew the fish would die, so he began to fling the fish to the sea. But every time he threw a starfish, another would wash ashore. “An old Earth man came along and saw what the child was doing. He called out, ‘Boy, what are you doing?’ “‘Saving the starfish!’ replied the boy.” ‘But your attempts are useless, child! Every time you save one, another one returns, often the same one! You can’t save them all, so why bother trying? Why does it matter, anyway?’ called the old man. “The boy thought about this for a while, a starfish in his hand; he answered, “Well, it matters to this one.” And then he flung the starfish into the welcoming sea.” 
Loren Eiseley, The Star Thrower 

Remember… 
Vision without action is merely a dream. 
Action, without vision just passes the time. 
Vision with action can change the world.