Ovingham Middle School is committed to delivering the best possible support for anyone with special educational needs or disability.
Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Hannah Tweddle: [email protected]
Disability Statement
At OMS we pride ourselves in being fully inclusive to all learners. We successfully work with pupils with a range of potential barriers to learning and inclusion, from specific learning difficulties to pupils with physical limitations, or social and emotional difficulties. The first point of contact for the family of a pupil with any issues that may cause difficulty accessing any part of the curriculum is the SENCO, Mrs Tweddle.
Staff regularly receive training to raise awareness about how to support pupils with a range of difficulties. We also draw on the support of a range of external providers.
Ovingham Middle School is well-designed for access, and we continue to make improvements. Our school is a single level building which immediately helps with movement into and around the school. All of our main entrances, including pupil entrances, have ramps to give easy access to wheelchair users or pupils with physical disabilities.
Our zebra crossing from the car/bus park, footpaths and key junctions and doorways have sensory pavement tiles to support visually impaired people. We have a purpose built toilet and hygiene room for disabled users of the building, which includes a shower and a physiotherapy bed with hoist access.
We celebrate what every pupil can achieve, rather than focusing on what they can not do. Pupils and staff at OMS have a fantastic reputation for supporting, encouraging and including everyone and through direct teaching and positive role modelling, we show that everyone is welcome and can achieve.
Testaments from pupils and their families about opportunities provided, and data on academic progress show us that pupils with a range of difficulties have excellent access to the curriculum, and also to enjoy their learning at OMS.
You can see a full copy of our SEND policy below, as well as our most recent SEND Information Report.
Local authorities must publish a Local Offer. It is a ‘one stop shop’ of information about provision expected to be available for children and young people from Northumberland aged 0-25 years. The Local Offer has to be clear, comprehensive and accessible. It must tell you about available provision and how to access it. Please access the link above to view Northumberland County Council’s local offer.
Further advice and support:
Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service is a free, confidential and impartial service for children and young people (up to 25 years) with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers.
The information, advice and support provided by the service covers the full range of education, health and social care as defined in the SEND Code of Practice 2015. The service is run at ‘arm’s length’ from the Local Authority.
The support the service can offer includes:
- Providing a listening ear and practical advice and support with understanding the SEND ‘system’
- Information on a range of SEND topics.
- Support with preparing for meetings.
- Help with exploring the options for a child/young person’s SEND provision.
- Signposting to other services and groups, including parent groups, youth forums and national helplines.
- Support for individual children, young people and their parents that empowers them to express their views and wishes and helps them to understand and exercise their rights in matters including SEN processes, exclusion, complaints and SEND appeals.
- Training for parents, children and young people, and professionals to increase their knowledge of SEND law, guidance, local policy, issues and participation.
The website for the service provides further details and can be accessed at northumberlandiass.org.uk .
The service operates on a self-referral service basis and can be contacted by phone on 01670 623555 or by email at [email protected].
