Personalised Learning Department
At Lavington School, we are committed to providing all students with access to a diverse and well-rounded curriculum.
The goal of the Personalised Learning Department is to foster an environment where each student's unique needs and differences are acknowledged and respected. Students identified as having special educational needs will have full access to the National Curriculum, which will be adapted to meet their individual needs.
At Lavington School, we believe that most types of special educational needs can be effectively supported within our close-knit and nurturing community. All staff members in the Personalised Learning Department are skilled in working with students with a wide range of needs and requirements.
If your child is already on a stage within the Code of Practice, our SENDCo will have been informed by the primary school, and all relevant information will have been transferred. In most cases, the SENDCo/member of SLT will have visited the previous school. Parents are also encouraged to meet with the SENDCo before the transition to discuss any concerns.
When a student is identified as having difficulties—whether in literacy, numeracy or emotional well-being their situation will be raised with the SENDCo. From there, an assessment process begins, focusing on information gathering, action planning, and regular review (Needs Led approach via HCRG). All necessary details are shared with teaching and support staff, and the SENDCo will communicate with parents to discuss any specialist support needed.
Throughout this process, the strong partnership between parents and school plays a key role in overcoming challenges and helping students reach their full potential.
- 2025 26 SEN Information report
- EQUA SEND POLICY
- SEN Offer September 2025 26
- Wiltshire SENDIASS leaflet
- Wiltshire Young People Leaflet
Centre Assessor Policy for Examinations
Our SENDCO
How can a parent access external advice if they feel their child has SEN?
Please contact Sophie Watts, SENDCo Lead s.watts@lavington.wilts.sch.uk if you wish to discuss the SEN needs of your child. The SEND Policy, SEND Information Report and SEND Action Plan outline the support we offer and are available in our Policies Section.
Wiltshire Parent Carer Council offers support for families - this forms part of the Local Offer from Wiltshire Council.
Assessment of Additional Needs
If you have any concerns, or if teachers or the SENDCo have identified a potential cognitive and learning need, communication and interaction need, or SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) issue that requires further assessment, a member of the Personalised Learning Department will reach out to you. While most students excel with high-quality teaching, some may need additional support to succeed in class and during assessments. In such cases, a meeting may be suggested to discuss the student's needs in more detail.
Assessment of Access arrangements for KS4
As your child prepares to begin their Key Stage 4 exam courses in September 2025, we will conduct further testing, if necessary, in addition to the psychometric testing done at the end of Year 9. Access arrangements are provided to students who would otherwise be disadvantaged during exams, such as extra time, a reader, a scribe, or the use of a laptop. To be eligible for access arrangements, students must meet the criteria set by the JCQ (the Regulatory Body) and have documented evidence of a need within the school over time.
Your child may have been identified by teachers or by yourself as potentially needing access arrangements, possibly due to challenges with the speed of work, handwriting, memory recall, or because they already receive support or interventions at school. If you plan to pursue a private dyslexia assessment, please ensure you contact Miss Watts beforehand. Without this communication between the school and the assessor, any access arrangements outlined in the report cannot be used as evidence for in-school assessments.
If additional testing is required, we will arrange a 1:1 meeting between your child and an exams assessor. These assessments will determine whether access arrangements can be granted and there is supporting evidence of normal way of working. Once completed, the assessor or Miss Watts will inform you of the results, and any approved access arrangements will be explained to your child.
Lastly, your child will be asked to sign a one-page Data Protection Form, as we need to share their access arrangements with the relevant examination boards.
Useful Links
Wiltshire SEND Support for 0 to 25 - Local Offer
SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf
SSENS resource page | Right Choice
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) | Right Choice
