SEND

At The Eastbourne Academy, we take immense pride in our exceptional curriculum offering for SEND students. Our vision drives our commitment to create an inclusive, ambitious, and engaging educational experience, preparing each student to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

SENDCO

Our SENDCO is Mrs C Elsbury - chelsea.elsbury@swale.at

High-Quality Teaching for All

The Eastbourne Academy prides itself on an educational journey that inspires curiosity, nurtures ambition, fosters respect, and engages each learner. The power of excellent teaching for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is at the heart of our approach. Our teaching strategies are not only flexible and adaptable, but they also make use of innovative technologies, ensuring that every student, regardless of their needs, experiences high-quality, personalised learning steeped in academic excellence.

Holistic Understanding of SEND Students

In line with our vision, we commit to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each SEND student, fostering an environment that enables each learner to exceed their personal goals. This is achieved by implementing a comprehensive, ongoing 'assess, plan, do, review' approach, promoting regular, meaningful assessments that empower our teachers to create an exceptional, inclusive, and nurturing learning organisation tailored to each child's needs.

Utilising Teaching Assistants Effectively

We recognise the critical role that teaching assistants (TAs) play in nurturing the curiosity and ambition of our SEND students. We ensure that they supplement the teaching from the classroom teacher, providing the necessary tools for achievement, rather than replacing it. Our TAs are deployed effectively, thoughtfully, and purposefully to ensure a maximised impact on the learning journey of every student.

Carefully Selected Interventions

We understand that structured, targeted interventions can be a powerful tool in supporting our SEND students' learning. Our interventions, paired with our high expectations, are carefully selected and perfectly tailored to meet individual learning needs. The combination of high-quality teaching, enriched by these strategically chosen interventions, enables our students to excel both academically and socially, preparing them for a rapidly changing world.

A Proactive Approach to Behaviour

Fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity, we maintain a proactive, positive approach to behaviour. Our unwavering commitment to promoting active engagement, wellbeing, and positive relationships ensures that all students, including those with SEND, have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, and our additional pastoral support guarantees that all students feel secure, respected, and heard.

The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC)

The TLC is a space that students with additional needs can access for both Academic and Pastoral support.

It includes a sensory space and meeting rooms for multi-agency professionals as well as the SENCO and the team of support workers that offer intervention and in class support.

Students with a TLC pass are welcome to access the space at any time, be that for a time out or if they have a more urgent need. They will always be greeted by a friendly face and by a team that understands their needs. The TLC is in its own building and has kitchen and outdoor facilities to ensure that students can spend their break times there if the main body of the school is overwhelming.