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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Sacred Heart Catholic Academy
At Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, we believe every pupil is entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum. All pupils are valued equally, regardless of ability, and are encouraged to reach their full potential. We recognise the importance of achievement, positive attitudes, and well-being, and we take practical steps to meet the diverse needs and life experiences of our pupils.
Our aim is to ensure that every pupil achieves their potential and makes a successful transition to further education, training, or employment. All teachers and support staff are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo): Mrs Sarah McIntosh
📧 s.mcintosh@shca.pfcmat.org
Our Objectives
- Identify barriers to learning and participation at the earliest opportunity for pupils with SEND.
- Ensure every pupil experiences success and achieves their best outcomes.
- Enable all pupils to participate fully and effectively in lessons.
- Value and encourage the contribution of all pupils to school life.
- Work in partnership with parents and carers.
- Communicate with the Governing Body to support their monitoring role regarding SEND provision.
- Collaborate with external agencies where appropriate to meet individual needs.
- Provide staff with access to training and advice to support high-quality teaching and learning for all pupils.
How we identify and support pupils with SEND needs
Our SEND profile for 2025/26 shows that 21% of pupils on roll have SEND, with needs across the following areas:
- Communication and Interaction (C&I)
- Cognition and Learning (C&L)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Physical and/or Sensory (P&S)
Further details can be found in our Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy 2025-26
SEND identification is an ongoing process. Many pupils will have their needs identified at primary school, and this information is shared with us upon admission. However, some needs emerge during secondary education. All teachers are responsible for identifying pupils with SEND and work closely with the SENDCo to ensure timely support.
We monitor academic, social, and emotional progress continuously through teachers, pastoral staff, teaching assistants, and the leadership team. If a pupil is not making expected progress, the SENDCo will carry out a holistic assessment, considering:
- Teacher observations and assessments
- National Curriculum performance
- Standardised screening tools (e.g., CATs, NGRT)
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., dyslexia screening)
- Reports from teaching assistants
- Records from primary schools
- Parent input
- Pupil voice
Where necessary, we seek support from external specialists, including:
- Educational Psychologist
- CAMHS
- Sefton Mental Health Support Team
- Early Help
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Sefton SEND Team (ICONs)
- Specialist hearing/vision teams
- Alder Hey Community Paediatrics
What should I do if I think my child has SEND?
We value strong home-school partnerships. If you have concerns:
- Speak to your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year in the first instance.
- Attend Parents’ Evenings for advice and guidance.
- If needed, a meeting can be arranged with Mrs McIntosh (SENDCo) or Mrs McNicol (Assistant SENDCo).
How will the curriculum be matched to my child/young person’s needs?
A broad and balanced curriculum is offered at both key stages.
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy - Curriculum
Supporting all learners at Sacred Heart Catholic Academy
At Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, we are committed to delivering quality first teaching that meets the needs of every pupil. Lessons are designed to provide both challenge and support, ensuring all pupils can learn effectively. Adaptations are evident through the work set, the questions asked, the support provided, and the outcomes expected.
How are resources allocated for SEND?
When a pupil’s special educational needs are identified, we implement appropriate, evidence-based interventions. Our approach follows a graduated model, with regular reviews to monitor progress and adjust support as needed.
In-school support includes:
- Teaching Assistant support
- Pastoral mentoring
- Literacy and numeracy interventions
- Chaplaincy support
How do we decide what support your child receives?
All mainstream schools receive resources to support pupils with additional needs, determined by local funding formulas. At Sacred Heart, resources are allocated based on:
- Regular reviews of pupil attainment and progress
- Individual needs identified through assessment
- Ongoing communication with parents/carers
Parents are kept informed about the level of support and the effectiveness of interventions in place.
How will we support you in helping your child learn?
We work in partnership with parents to ensure pupils thrive. Support includes:
- Communication via ClassCharts with tutors
- Practical strategies from teachers and the SENDCo
- SEND Support Plans for pupils on the SEND register
- Annual review meetings for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Scheduled Parents’ Evenings and annual reports
Behaviour, Attendance, and Well-being
Our SHCA Behaviour Policy promotes positive behaviour for learning and celebrates achievements through:
- Collective Worship
- Rewards assemblies
- ClassCharts recognition
Behavioural issues are addressed promptly by key staff, with parents informed. Suspension should be rare and only used as a last resort.
Attendance is monitored daily by form tutors, class teachers, pastoral staff, and the Attendance and Welfare Officer. Concerns are escalated to the Headteacher and Governing Body. Where attendance issues arise, parents are invited to meet with the Attendance Officer and Head of Year, and the SENDCo may be involved if appropriate.
Supporting Transition
To ensure a smooth transition:
- The SENDCo visits all feeder primary schools to gather information
- All pupils attend a transition day in the summer term
- Parents and carers are invited to transition events
- Individual transition meetings are arranged where needed
As pupils move between key stages, careers advice and post-16 guidance are prioritised for those with SEND.
Accessibility
Our school environment is designed to be inclusive.
SHCA Accessibility Plan 2025-27
Who Can I Contact?
If you have concerns or wish to discuss your child’s needs:
- Contact your child’s Head of Year, SENDCo, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team
- If you are considering Sacred Heart Catholic Academy for your child and would like to discuss SEND provision, please arrange a visit. You will receive a tour and an opportunity to discuss how we can support your child.
Further information about local SEND provision can be found here:
Local Offer - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities | The Sefton Directory
Please see below for downloadable key information:Graduated Response Booklet for Parents and Carers
Tea Talk and SEND presentation December 2025
Student voice - what helps me learn
For our most up-to-date SEND Reports and Policies please see: