SEND, Literacy and EAL
We are an inclusive community that offers effective provision for a wide variety of special educational needs and disabilities. Cotham recognises that some students have greater difficulty in learning than their peers, including students who have learning difficulties, a physical disability, or social, emotional or mental health concerns that may prevent them from achieving their full potential without additional support. In addition to the high quality of teaching and adaptation in lessons, we have an experienced team of SEND specialists to provide support for students who experience barriers to accessing the curriculum. This team includes the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), Deputy SENDCos, Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs), Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). We offer specific literacy, numeracy, phonics and life skills interventions as well as in-class support, clubs and homework support. We also work closely with parents/carers and external SEND professionals, e.g. Educational Psychologists, the Bristol Autism Team (BAT), the Sensory Support Team and the Community Children’s Health Partnership, to reduce and eliminate identified barriers to the curriculum and to full participation in the school community for students, and prospective students, with a special educational need or disability.
Current SENDCO:
Gabby Telford
telfordg@cotham.bristol.sch.uk