Learning Support (SEN)
Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At Exmouth Community College, our mission is guided by the principle of "dignity, not deficit." We believe that every student should be valued for their unique strengths and potential, rather than defined by their challenges. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where all students, regardless of their individual needs, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our SEND provision is designed to empower students by helping them overcome barriers to learning, always treating them with dignity and respect.
Our Approach to SEND
We follow the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Devon County Council’s Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision guidelines, ensuring that students with special educational needs and disabilities receive the necessary support to succeed. The Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision sets out the support that should be available for every child within mainstream education, enabling us to meet students' needs as part of their everyday school experience.
Our approach is student-centred, working closely with students, parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure that every child’s needs are met.
SEND Team
Our dedicated SEND team works to ensure every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential:
Miss H Lee-Joy – Director of SEND (SENDCo)
Miss S Tigwell- Assistant SENDCo Y7, Y8, and Transitions from Y6 to Y7 for SEND pupils
Mrs L Hatchard- Assistant SENDCo Y9, KS4, and KS5
Ms S Eden - Assistant SENDCo Exam Access Arrangements
Mrs N Manning - Learning Support Administrator
We have an experienced and passionate team of Learning Mentors supporting identified students in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
Identifying and Supporting SEND
We identify students with SEND through various methods, including:
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Teacher assessments and referrals
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In school screeners
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Concerns raised by parents or carers
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Liaison with primary schools
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Liaison with a range of external professionals
Once a need is identified, we follow the assess, plan, do, review cycle:
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Assess: Gathering detailed information about the student's needs.
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Plan: Creating a personalised support plan.
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Do: Implementing the support plan with input from the SENDCO, assistant SENDCOs, learning mentors, and teachers.
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Review: Regularly reviewing the student's progress and adjusting the support as needed.
Types of SEND We Support
We offer support for a wide range of SEND needs, including:
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Cognition and Learning: Supporting students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning difficulties.
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Communication and Interaction: Helping students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or speech, language, and communication needs.
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Social, Emotional, and Mental Health: Supporting students with ADHD, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.
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Sensory and/or Physical Needs: Including support for students with hearing, visual, or physical impairments.
Partnerships with Parents and External Agencies
At Exmouth Community College we believe in building strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external professionals. We hold regular meetings to discuss each student’s progress, and we work closely with external specialists such as:
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Educational Psychologists
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Speech and Language Therapists
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Occupational Therapists
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Advisory Teachers
This collaborative approach ensures that students receive the highest standard of care and support both in and outside the classroom.
Transition Support
We provide additional bespoke support for students with SEND during key transitions, with particular focus on moving from primary to secondary school. Our transition plans are designed to reduce anxiety and ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of learning.
Contact Us
For more information about our SEND provision or if you have any concerns regarding your child’s progress, please contact us at: learningsupport@exmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk
We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.