SEND
SEND Information and The LINK (Learn, Inspire, Nurture & Kindness) at Bexhill Academy
Welcome to Bexhill Academy's SEND information page. We are proud to be a comprehensive, inclusive school. Students come to us with a wide range of abilities and skill-sets, and we celebrate the achievements and progress of all. We make every effort to meet the needs of students who require additional support with their academic or social development and are proud of our reputation for successful SEND provision.
The SEND Code of Practice (2014), Children and Families Act(2014), Equality Act (2010) and advice for schools DfE (2013) inform our practice at Bexhill Academy for students with special educational needs and disabilities. We fully recognise our legal responsibility regarding the education of children with special educational needs and follow set procedures for assessment, target setting, provision and review of progress. The school’s SEND policy directs the work of all staff working at Bexhill Academy ensuring all students are fully included in the life of the school and are supported to achieve their potential.
Our SENCO at Bexhill Academy is Mrs Lucy Culshaw - 01424 730722 ext 2264 email: lucy.culshaw@bexhillacademy.org
Sara Attwood is our SEND Governor
SEND Information Report & Policy
SEND Information Report 2022
SEND Policy 2022 - 23
Special Educational Needs and Disability - Our Local Offer
Link to East Sussex County Council - Children and Families - Special Educational Needs and Disability - Our Local Offer
SEND Students and OnLine Safety
Better Internet for Kids has sites for all European countries
How to Stay Safe online – Guidance of Adults and Young People with Learning Disabilities
The Ann Craft Trust (ACT) is a national charity which exists to minimise the risk of abuse of disabled children and adults at risk. They believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity
Information and support regarding keeping your child safe on line
English as an Additional Language resources - •Arabic•Bengali•English•Farsi•French•Hindi•Polish•Punjabi•Somali•Spanish•Turkish•Urdu•Vietnamese•Welsh
Parents: Supporting Young People Online (Childnet)
SEND Students and Mental Health
Information and Advice for Young People and their Families
Supporting Positive Mental Health in Young People
Video clips for parents and carers
Tips and advice for migrants’ mental health
Six ways to improve your wellbeing, aimed at migrants.
Useful Information & Websites
ADHD Foundation
Afasic (speech and language needs)
Amaze Sussex
Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Brighton & Hove and Sussex.
British Dyslexia Association
Care for the Carers
Parents who care for children with additional needs can apply for the Carer Card
Connecting Safely Online
Council for disabled children
Dyspraxia Foundation
I-Go Leisure Card
The i-go scheme improves access to leisure activities for children and young people: • 0 to 25 years old • with disabilities or special needs, and • who live or receive education in East Sussex Cardholders can get special offers and help planning a visit, including information on accessibility and someone to contact
Igo Leaflet
A leisure card scheme for disabled children and young people
MIND
National Autistic Society
National Deaf Children's Society
Parent Voice
Royal National Institute for the Blind
SEND - Activities and support during coronavirus
Special Needs Jungle
WholeSchoolSEND leaflet
Young Minds
The LINK (Learn, Inspire, Nurture & Kindness) at Bexhill Academy
Information and useful guides for parent/carers and students can be found here.
Autism Games - Dealing with Change
ESCC information for parents of children diagnosed with ASD
Nurture Award 2022
Obsessions, Repetitive Behaviour and Routines
Pre Autism Pathway Support for Parents/Carers
Preparing a Person with Autism for Change
Reducing Challenging Behaviour Stragegies to Support the Autisic Child
Routines can creep up on you - Understanding rituals, consistency, predictability and change.
Why change is difficult and sameness comforting – from an autistic woman’s viewpoint
Why Do Autistics Hate Change? by Shanti Roy
Information For Parents And Carers
Welcome to the Team
Ms Jan Phillips: Lead Communication and Interaction Teaching Assistant
My name is Jan Phillips and I am the Speech and Language Leader within the SEND Department. I run a speech and language intervention that teaches the students all about the knowledge of the spoken English language. This includes listening activities, formal and informal talking and giving and following instructions. The sessions support students in developing communication skills and improving their understanding of spoken language. This work helps students gain confidence and further improve their progress throughout school, college and their working life.
Mandy Clifford: Lead Intervention Tutor SEMH and Nurture
I aim to provide a consistent and safe base in the school Nurture Room for students experiencing SEMH difficulties with a focus on the 6 Principles of Nurture.
Apart from running the daily Y7 Nurture group which supports identified students to transition from the primary to the secondary school environment, I also run weekly programme's of support and workshops for students struggling with high levels of anxiety, difficulties with self-regulation and difficulties with making and maintaining positive peer relationships.
Cathy Wilson: Lead TeachingAssistant for Sensory and Physical Needs
My role as a TA for Physical and Sensory Needs involves Liaising with Physiotherapists, OT’s and parents to help support students with their individual needs. I implement Physio programme's and check that students have appropriate seating arrangements and equipment. I complete Sensory Checklists with students to see if there is any extra support they might need. I also update student Passports with any relevant information to inform teaching staff of any changes in a student’s needs. I run a Sensory Circuit at Tutor time for a small group of students with Sensory issues which enables them to relieve any anxiety, to help with their gross and fine movement control, and help them to focus and feel fabulous for the remains of the day.
Cara Watkins: Lead Teaching Assistant for Cognition and Learning
I am Cara Watkins
I began my career as a sick children’s’ nurse, working in research, as a nursing advisor in Thailand and in neonatal intensive care. When my children were young I trained to teach working first at Bexhill College, then coming to Bexhill Academy to support my son, who was on the autistic/ADHD spectrum. He has left but I have stayed on to teach numeracy and literacy.
English as Additional Language (EAL)
EAL Policy 2023