I am very proud to lead a team of experienced and dedicated practitioners within our SEND department, all of whom are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive education where every student feels valued and able to thrive.
Everything we do is personalised to the individual child, with a strong focus on their strengths, interests, and aspirations. We are passionate about fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring that every student feels safe, understood, and fully included as part of our school community.
Our Learning Hub is a friendly, accessible base within the school, providing a safe and supportive environment. Students can drop in for targeted interventions or short sessions, with the overarching aim of helping them develop independence while receiving the right level of support to achieve their full potential.
Our aim is to nurture a love of learning, resilience, and independence. Through close collaboration with colleagues across the school, we ensure students are supported not only to succeed in lessons, but also to prepare for life beyond school, including post-16 education, employment, and building positive relationships.
We look forward to working in partnership with you and your child throughout their journey with us, from transition in Year 5/6 through to celebrating their achievements and successes in the future.
Mrs A Spotswood
Associate Assistant Headteacher/SENCO
Evidence tells us that children with SEND flourish in schools that set high expectations for all. We want every student to feel empowered and supported, developing the confidence and skills they need to shape their future and follow their own path.
At The Hayfield School, we are committed to being as inclusive as possible. Most students with SEND are supported in mainstream classrooms through Quality First Inclusive Teaching, which removes barriers and allows them to thrive alongside their peers.
We take a holistic approach, supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Support is not based solely on a diagnosis or label, but on careful observations and assessments by teachers, the SEND team, and external professionals where appropriate.
We are also committed to the early identification of SEND so that action can be taken as quickly as possible. Support is based on a careful evaluation of individual need, and our strategy is to offer a breadth of provision using a variety of approaches to meet each pupil’s specific needs.
Some students may need additional provision through Wave 2 and Wave 3 interventions. All of these students have a live SEND Support Plan, which sets out clear outcomes and timeframes. Our SEND and Additional Needs registers are fluid, working documents, meaning students may move between them, or no longer require support, as their needs change.
Early identification and timely intervention are at the heart of our approach. We provide information and training for staff so they understand students’ needs and can apply strategies to remove barriers to learning. Together, we monitor and track progress, adapting support as required.
Examples of support and interventions include:
From Year 5 and 6 transition, we begin gathering information to build a clear picture of each child’s needs. By Year 7, students on the SEND or Additional Needs registers work with an LSA to create a Learning Support Passport. This shares with staff the student’s strengths, interests, challenges, and strategies that work best for them.
We also begin to introduce access arrangements in Years 7 and 8, so students are well-prepared for formal assessments and exams. At the end of Key Stage 3, screening and diagnostic assessments help determine the right support for GCSEs and beyond.
At The Hayfield School, we believe that close partnership with parents is central to the process. The views and wishes of the student are also taken into account wherever possible, ensuring that support is meaningful and empowering.
Our SEND Information Report, which outlines in detail how we identify, assess and make provision for students with SEND, is available on our Policies page, alongside our SEND Policy and Accessibility Plan.
If you would like more information about Learning Support, or if you have concerns about your child’s needs, please contact the SEND department by phone 01302 770589 or email: send@thehayfieldschool.co.uk
