We pride ourselves on being able to support children’s emotional and social wellbeing with our flexible approach and small class sizes.
A secure emotional connection is the foundation block that sets our students on the right path of individual discovery to achieve their full potential. We develop our students sense of acceptance and belonging so that they are ready to take on the challenge of advancing themselves.
Striving always, in helping them to help themselves be aware of their own strengths and any challenges they may face; we build resilience so that they have the determination to stick with it.
Our small setting is our strength when it comes to pastoral support and we can really get to know the individual children well and work closely with the families. Your class teacher is the first port of call for any queries and concerns.
For students requiring a more targeted, tailored approach to support we have a trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) in school. Students can self-refer, as well as parents and teachers when they recognise that (a) someone needs a little extra guidance or encouragement to be the best that they can be. The typical topics that occur are: Autism Awareness, Bereavement and Loss, Building Self-Esteem, Mindfulness and Relaxation, Principles of Interaction, Anxiety, Therapeutic Stories, Unhelpful Thinking Habits
At Hollygirt we provide a “broad programme of academic study which fosters a desire to learn, the ability to think and work independently and opportunities for each student to develop their potential to the full.”
We identify, assess and plan for the needs of students from the four broad categories of need:
We make adjustments to ensure that individuals are able to engage in the full range of activities offered by the school.
The SENDCo at Hollygirt is Sarah Skov, who is available on the school’s main telephone number 0115 958 0596 and e-mail address info@hollygirt.co.uk.
Admissions of Pupils with Special Educational Needs
The school admits pupils if it is satisfied that the pupil’s needs can be reasonably met within our school environment. Parents are expected to discuss openly the needs of the child in their current setting and home environment. They should outline the provision that is in place to meet those needs and all adjustments made at home and at school to enable them to participate in activities that the majority of other children of the same age would do. They should share any professional reports that they have to help build the picture of provision and need. At this point, the Headteacher and/or SENDCo may contact their current setting and/or external professions to clarify any concerns.
The parents will be invited in for a tour and discussion to put the needs and provision in context of Hollygirt school. The pupil will have the opportunity to tour the school and will be invited to attend up to three taster days so that they can familiarise themselves with us, and we likewise. The current school will be contacted for a reference, from the member of staff who knows the child the best.
If a place is offered and accepted, the SENDCo and Pupil Support Team will plan and initiate an appropriate transition plan.
Pupils in the process of applying for an EHCP will follow the same procedures. Pupils with an EHCP already in place will follow these procedures alongside the Local Authority consultation process.
Hollygirt has a small number of pupils on EHCPs, some of which are funded by the local education authority.
Our prospectus aims to give you a glimpse into our wonderful small school.
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