Page 27 - Information for Parents

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES
All children are individuals, learning to walk and talk at different ages and
developing particular skills at different times. However, there may be times when
a child is not achieving his or her full potential, or experiences some academic,
social, emotional, behavioural or physical difficulties.

We recognise the mutual benefits that result from the integration of children with
special needs. The school aims to be, not only stimulating and enjoyable but also,
an accepting and caring community within which all children can achieve self-
esteem through purposeful involvement. The school has a duty to meet the
individual needs of all pupils, including those who have special educational needs
or a disability (SEND). We have disabled access to the building.

The class teacher, in consultation with the Special Needs Coordinator (SENDCO)
– Mrs J Cartwright, will identify such children and parents will be involved in
discussion and in any decisions about specific action that may need to be taken.
The Local Authority is ultimately responsible for the assessment of and writing
Education Health Care Plans where necessary in line with the Code of Practice.

We work very closely with a number of external agencies who provide advice and
support for children with learning, behavioural and emotional difficulties. Full co-
operation exists between the school, Learning Support Team, Educational
Psychology Service, Social Care and health services such as hospital outreach,
speech and occupational therapy services.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We offer a variety of extracurricular activities that take place after school. These
activities vary and depend upon the support, enthusiasm and behaviour of the
children. Dudley Performing Arts also visit the School on a regular basis and
provide lessons in various instruments at a termly cost. If you need further details,
please contact School.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

Children of all ages take part in outings in school time to places of interest. These
visits are related to the work that they do in the classroom and are an important
part of the teaching programme. Permission from parents is required before a
child can be included in the group. We usually offer a residential visit for our pupils
in Year 6. This provides a wonderful opportunity for taking part in exciting
adventure activities as well as personal and social development. We also value
the input of professional visitors into school to enrich the curriculum.

Unfortunately, owing to financial constraints the school cannot fund educational
visits and so all such activities must be covered by a voluntary contribution, or they
will not take place.

As the law stands, children cannot be excluded from such visits if their parents do
not wish to pay. However, parents will appreciate that educational visits etc. must
be planned in advance and that schools need to have the financial capacity to
cover their costs. Parents can be asked for “voluntary contributions” towards the

Blanford Mere Primary School – Prospectus 2025-2026 Updated 08.09.2025 26