FAQ’s

We understand that navigating SEND provision and support can sometimes raise questions. This page brings together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about SEND and Inclusion at Penair School. Whether you are a parent, carer, student, or prospective family, we hope this information helps you better understand the support available and our commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and able to achieve their full potential. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact our Inclusion Team.

What does SEND mean?

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. A student may have SEND if they require additional support or different provision to help them access learning and achieve their full potential.

How does Penair School support students with SEND?

Penair provides support through its Universal Offer, high-quality teaching, adaptive classroom strategies, targeted interventions, and personalised support plans. We work closely with students, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure individual needs are identified and supported effectively.

What is the Universal Offer?

The Universal Offer is the support, strategies, and high-quality teaching available to every student in every classroom. This includes adaptive teaching, clear routines, accessible resources, positive relationships, and classroom practices designed to support a wide range of learning needs.

How are SEND needs identified?

SEND needs may be identified through information from primary schools, parents and carers, teachers, assessments, external professionals, or through ongoing monitoring of a student’s progress, wellbeing, and engagement in school.

What support is available if my child is struggling?

The level of support will depend on the student’s individual needs. Support may include classroom adaptations, small-group interventions, mentoring, specialist programmes, wellbeing support, or access to our on-site provisions.

How does Penair support students with transitions?

We recognise that transitions can be challenging for some students. Support may include enhanced transition visits, meetings with key staff, personalised transition plans, additional school visits, and ongoing support through the Inclusion Team to ensure students feel confident and settled.

How are parents involved in SEND support?

We value strong partnerships with families and encourage regular communication between home and school. Parents and carers are involved in reviewing progress, discussing support strategies, attending meetings, and contributing to decisions about their child’s provision.

How can I contact the SEND team?

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, wellbeing, or SEND needs, please contact your child’s tutor, Head of Year, or the Inclusion Team. We are always happy to discuss how we can work together to support your child.

How does Penair promote inclusion?

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create a school community where all students feel safe, valued, respected, and able to participate fully in learning and wider school life. Our aim is to remove barriers, celebrate individual strengths, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

What if my child does not have an EHCP?

Many students receive SEND support without having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Support is based on individual needs and can be provided through classroom strategies, interventions, and SEND provision regardless of whether an EHCP is in place.

How do students share their views about SEND provision?

Student voice is an important part of our inclusive approach. We regularly seek feedback from students through conversations, reviews, surveys, and meetings to ensure their views help shape the support and provision available at Penair School.