SEND & Disadvantaged Students

Key Contacts

Collegiate SENCO – Mr Tom Holway tom.holway@tct-academies.org

Assistant SENCO – Ms Amuche Iroegbulem
Assistant Principal Inclusion – Mrs F Langan

Arrangements to Meet the Needs of Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

All Croydon schools are committed to and adopt a similar approach to meeting the needs of all students including those with special educational needs. There is a shared expectation that all students, regardless of their specific needs, should be offered inclusive teaching which will enable them to make the best possible progress in school and ensure they can actively participate in the wider aspects of school life.

At Riddlesdown Collegiate, we are committed to ensuring that students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) receive quality education, based upon equality of opportunity, access and outcomes. The enhancement of self-esteem, confidence and independence are key aspects of each student’s development. Access to a broad, balanced and appropriate curriculum is essential if students with SEND are to achieve their potential academically, emotionally and socially. As an Academy, we enjoy the freedom to make the very best provision for your child and as a Collegiate we work collaboratively to develop the very best practice and provision in every aspect of our work. Our aim at all times is to develop quality partnerships with families, ensure outstanding learning and progress for our students and effective preparation leading to success for all members of our community. Students joining Riddlesdown Collegiate are placed into one of Aquila, Orion, Pegasus or Phoenix Colleges, joining a small school of four hundred learners.

What support do we offer?

The school will use its best endeavours to ensure the necessary provision is made for any student with SEND, identification is carried out early and that the appropriate provision is made for students with SEND in line with the statutory duties and best practice guidelines set out in the Department for Education Code of Practice for SEND September 2014 (SEND Information Report 2014). In doing so, we will fulfil the statutory duties and best practice guidelines set out in the Department for Education Code of Practice for SEN.

If you are parents/ carers of current students or prospective students, our SEND team would be happy to engage in dialogue to support your child achieve even greater progress, recognise and celebrate achievements and implement, where appropriate further support or intervention to further enhance their school experience. The SEND Team at Riddlesdown Collegiate acknowledge the importance of collaborative work between the student, home and school, recognising that students who are active partners, supported by parents/ carers who are involved in decision making and reviewing provision often achieve the strongest outcomes. Contact details for the SEND Team can be found below.

Disadvantaged Students

This is a technical term for those students who have been in receipt of free school meals at any time in the last 6 years, or who are looked after. Every school is provided with additional resources to support these students, through the Pupil Premium Grant.