At Kibblesworth Academy
At Kibblesworth Academy, we are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their strengths, needs or abilities, feel valued, supported and included. We believe that every child should have access to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that enables them to achieve their full potential and develop confidence, independence and resilience.
We work in partnership with pupils, parents, carers, staff and external agencies to ensure that appropriate support is identified and provided at the earliest opportunity.
SEND Contact Information
SEND Co-ordinator (SENDCO)
Mrs Victoria Longhurst
Email: victorialonghurst@kibblesworthacademy.org.uk
Contacting the School
Mr Craig Steel, Headteacher
Kibblesworth Academy
West View
Kibblesworth
Gateshead
NE11 0XP
Telephone: 0191 4102975
For any concerns regarding SEND provision, parents and carers should contact the class teacher or SENDCO in the first instance.
Identifying Children with SEND
Children may be identified as having Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) through:
- Ongoing teacher assessment and monitoring.
- Discussions with parents and carers.
- Information shared by previous settings or schools.
- Assessment and screening tools.
- Advice from external professionals.
- Monitoring of academic progress, communication, social development, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
When concerns are identified, the school follows the graduated approach outlined in the SEND Code of Practice through the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle.
Consulting and Involving Pupils and Parents
We believe that successful SEND provision relies upon strong partnership working between school, home and the child.
Parents and carers are involved throughout the decision-making process and are encouraged to contribute to discussions about:
- Their child's strengths and needs.
- Desired outcomes.
- Support strategies.
- Progress and next steps.
Pupils are encouraged to share their views and aspirations and are supported to participate in decisions about their learning wherever appropriate.
Regular reviews take place with parents, carers and pupils to ensure support remains effective and responsive to individual needs.
Our Approach to Supporting Pupils with SEND
Teachers are responsible and accountable for the progress and development of all pupils in their class, including those with SEND.
High-quality, adaptive teaching is the first step in responding to pupils who may have SEND. Support may include:
- Adapted teaching approaches.
- Additional scaffolding and resources.
- Targeted interventions.
- Small-group support.
- Individualised provision where required.
To help identify levels of support, provision is broadly categorised into three levels:
Wave 1 - Universal Provision
Quality First Teaching delivered through an inclusive classroom environment.
Wave 2 - Additional Support
Targeted interventions designed to address specific barriers to learning.
Wave 3 - Specialist Support
Individualised programmes and involvement from specialist services and external agencies.
Working with Other Agencies
The school recognises the important contribution external services make in supporting children and young people with SEND.
Where appropriate, we work alongside:
- Educational Psychology Service
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Early Years Assessment and Intervention Team (EYAIT)
- Child and Young People's Services (CYPS)
- CAMHS
- Emotional Wellbeing Team
- Behaviour Support Services
- HINT/LINT Services
Parents and carers are involved in decisions regarding referrals wherever possible.
Supporting Emotional and Social Development
At Kibblesworth Academy, pupils' emotional wellbeing is considered alongside their academic progress.
Support may include:
- ELSA interventions
- Nurture provision
- Wellbeing support
- Pastoral support
- Social skills programmes
- Individual support plans where appropriate
Our aim is to ensure that every child feels safe, respected, included and able to participate fully in school life.
Equipment and Accessibility
The Academy is committed to ensuring that pupils with SEND can access all aspects of school life.
We make reasonable adjustments where necessary and can access specialist resources and equipment following advice from external professionals.
Further information can be found within the Academy's Accessibility Plan.
Admission Arrangements for Pupils with SEND
Kibblesworth Academy is an inclusive school and welcomes applications from pupils with SEND.
Pupils with SEND are admitted in accordance with the Academy's Admissions Policy and the requirements of the School Admissions Code.
Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are admitted in accordance with statutory guidance and local authority procedures.
Information about admissions can be found on our Admissions page and through Gateshead Council.
Gateshead Local Offer
The Gateshead Local Offer provides information about services and support available for children and young people with SEND and their families.
Website: https://gateshead-localoffer.org/
Review of this Information Report
This SEND Information Report is reviewed annually.
Date approved: November 2026
Review date: November 2027