At St. Mary’s Catholic Primary school, we believe that all our children have an equal right of access to a broad and balanced curriculum which enables them to achieve educational success and to reach their full potential. All children within the School, regardless of their level of ability and any disability or special educational needs they may have, are valued for their individual contributions. We work in liaison with a range of professionals to ensure that children with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties have access to specialist support, physical resources and expertise. We use our best endeavours to meet each child's needs and make reasonable adjustments to enable children and their families to participate fully in the life of our school community.   

The London Borough of Brent’s Local Offer sets out information about the local authority’s provision for children with SEN or who have a disability. Please click here see the Local Offer.

The School's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENDCO), Ms Fiona Montgomery (fmontgomery@marycps.brent.sch.uk), and class teachers cater for children's varying needs and abilities through carefully planned and differentiated activities. Some children need particular support during their time at primary school, either for a short period of a few terms, or more continuously. We seek to identify and assess such 'special educational needs' promptly, in consultation with parents. Where appropriate, we develop an individual education plan (IEP) in consultation with the child's teacher and parents. We also actively seek and take into account the views of the child with the aim of engaging all children with their own learning objectives. Children may receive help individually or in a small group according to their individualised programme. Their progress is regularly monitored. A small proportion of children have an Education and Health Care Plan and receive 1:1 support.

Colleagues from outside agencies such as Brent's Under 5 Team (Nursery only), advisory teachers, educational psychologists, BOAT (Brent Outreach Autism Team) as well as health professionals such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists - are involved for the small proportion of children for whom more specialist support and advice are needed.

In line with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2014, children with Education, Health and Care plans or are offered a place at St Mary’s, providing we are confident that placement at the School is suitable for the child's age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs. We also take into consideration compatibility with the efficient education of other pupils with whom the child would be educated and the efficient use of the available resources. 

The School’s Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy is available below.