My name is Catrin Cunnington and I am the school's SENDCo - the Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator.

As SENDCo, it is my job to:

- oversee the day-to-day operation of the school’s SEN policy

- support the identification of children with special educational needs

- co-ordinate provision for children with SEN; liaise with parents of children with SEN

- liaise with other providers, outside agencies, and external agencies (e.g. Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, GPs, etc.)

- ensure that the school keeps the records of all pupils with SEN up to date 

- guarantee that the school’s attitude to inclusion is of paramount importance and the status of SEND in the school is always a priority on any agenda

If you would like to speak with me about anything then please do so in any number of the following ways:

- touch base with me on the school gate before or after school (Tuesday - Thursday)

- make an appointment with me or ask the office and I will get back to you

- call the school on 020 7328 2221 and the office will either put you through to me or I will ensure that I call you back

- email me using ccunnington@staprimary.org

Local Offer

Local Authorities (LA) and schools are required to publish and keep under review information about services they expect to be available for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) aged 0-25. This is called the ‘Local Offer’.

The intention of the Local Offer is to improve choice for families and will also be an important resource for parents in understanding the range of services and provision in the local area.

Our school is situated on the boundary of 3 different LAs, and currently we work with a total of 4 LAs. Please click on the links below and you will be taken to each LAs Local Offer.

Westminster

Camden

Brent

Barnet

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH SEND

• www.ipsea.org.uk – A useful site for free, legally based Special Education advice
• www.special-needs-kids.co.uk – An information directory for parents and carers
• www.widgit.com/resources - Symbolled resources for different topics and areas of life, including resources for fire safety and about visiting the doctors/dentists
• www.iassnetwork.co.uk – Advice and support for parents of children with SEN

WESTMINSTER PARENTS PARTICIPATION GROUP (WPPG)

WPPG are a group of parent carer volunteers working together as Make it Happen (WPPG). This parent led organisation (CIC) is for all Westminster parent and carers of children and adults with special educational needs and/or a disability (up to 25 years).

What do they do?

They create a space at their drop-in sessions where parents can meet together, ask questions, talk and feel listened to.

They can help you to access information, services and support.

They run 2 weekly drop-ins, information sessions and consultation events (term time only)

They create opportunities for parents to get involved and have their say about services such as health, social care and education. They have parent representatives who help to represent the views of parent carers to service providers. They also have an elected steering group that makes key decisions for the forum. 

If you would like to find out more please click here.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH ASD

(Autism Spectrum Disorder)

• www.autism.org.uk – The National Autistic Society website, the main UK charity for supporting people with ASD and their families (contains lots of useful advice and resources)
• www.attentionautism.com – For more information on Attention Autism and how you can support your child to develop attention and turn-taking skills
• www.autismuk.com – Lots of information on ASD
• www.autismspeaks.org – A comprehensive site, with a useful resource library
• www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html - A really useful set of social stories to share with children, covering topics ranging from coping with a new baby in the family to getting a haircut to making friends. The National Autistic Society website also provides guidance on writing your own personalised social stories

Supporting those with sensory issues around handwashing

SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH OT NEED (Occupational Therapy)

MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH

The link below has lots of good advice on keeping well whilst self-isolating. It is written in conjunction with CEOP and Parent Zone.

How to look after your family’s mental health

Children and young people’s mental health services (CYPMHS) 

CYPMHs is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their mental health or wellbeing.

You may also see the term children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) used. This is an older term for the main specialist NHS community service within the wider CYPMHS that may be available locally.

Local areas have a number of different support services available.

Children and young people may need help with a wide range of issues at different points in their lives.

Parents and carers may also need help and advice to deal with behavioural or other problems their child is experiencing.

Parents, carers and young people can receive direct support through CYPMHS.

Getting help from a specialist CYPMHS is different depending on where you live. Waiting times can vary too.

Most CYPMHS have their own website, which will have information about access, referrals and more, including phone numbers, so you can get in touch directly for detailed advice.

You may also find it helpful to speak to:

• your GP
• someone you trust at school – e.g. the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
• health visitors
• children's centres

Westminster CYPMHS (CAMHS)

Camden (Mosaic)

Brent CYPMHS (CAMHS)

Calm Zone - Childline

Childline has produced a toolbox of activities such as breathing exercises, coping videos, yoga, and videos and games that can help children feel calm in a period of disruption - Childline: calm-zone.

Self-care strategies - The Anna Freud Centre

The Anna Freud Centre has compiled a  selection of self-care strategies that have been developed by young people to help manage their own wellbeing.  During a time when access to regular appointments may be disrupted or anxiety might be heightened, it might be helpful to try one or some of these strategies - Annafreud: self-care.

Young Minds helpline for parents and young people

If there are concerns about a young person’s mental health during this difficult time, you can contact the Young Minds Helpline.

Parents Helpline: If you are a parent, who needs advice about your child’s mental health, you can contact the Parents Helpline directly on 0808 802 between 9:30am - 4:00pm - Young Minds website.