Special Educational Needs

At Ark Blacklands, we recognise and embrace the diverse ways in which our pupils learn, providing individualised support to ensure every child can succeed. Under the guidance of our Assistant Head for Inclusion and SENCo, Mr. Joe Coleman, and our Assistant SENCo for Inclusion, Miss Louise Sweeney, we are committed to offering exceptional education to all our students.

Our core belief is that every child deserves a high-quality education and the opportunity to develop both academically and personally. We aim to equip our pupils with the tools and motivation necessary to succeed and grow into independent, resilient adults. Our curriculum is designed to be knowledge-rich, broad, and balanced, ensuring all pupils have access to challenging yet attainable educational standards. We focus on making reasonable adjustments and providing additional support rather than lowering expectations.

Our dedicated teaching staff is responsible for helping all pupils master the necessary concepts, knowledge, and skills in each subject. We recognise that children with severe or complex needs might take longer to learn and assimilate knowledge, but we firmly believe in the importance and relevance of this knowledge for them. Our approach is inclusive, ensuring that every child, regardless of their pace, receives the support they need to feel successful and challenged appropriately.

We pride ourselves on our strong sense of community and our collaborative efforts to understand each pupil both academically and personally. Regular learning dialogues and early interventions are key strategies we use to address any learning gaps or emotional needs, ensuring that all students have full access to their year group's curriculum. This holistic approach allows us to provide a supportive and inclusive educational environment where every child can thrive.