Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Inclusion at Northfields
At Northfields, inclusion is central to who we are.
We believe every pupil should feel safe, understood and successful. We identify needs early, respond thoughtfully and remove barriers to learning so that every child can thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
Our approach is rooted in high expectations, strong relationships and carefully adapted teaching. Most pupils’ needs are met through skilled classroom practice. Where additional support is required, we provide targeted intervention and work closely with families and specialist services.
How SEND Support Works
We follow a graduated approach:
Assess – Plan – Do – Review
Teachers monitor progress continuously. If a pupil is not making expected progress, we:
- Gather evidence through observation and assessment
- Meet with families
- Agree clear, measurable targets
- Adapt teaching and provide additional support where needed
- Review impact regularly
Support may include classroom adaptations, small group interventions or specialist programmes. For a small number of pupils with more complex needs, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be appropriate.
Provision is regularly reviewed by leaders to ensure it is effective and responsive.
Early Identification and Communication
In an infant and nursery school, early development matters enormously. Strong foundations in these areas enable pupils to access the wider curriculum confidently.
We place particular emphasis on:
- Speech, language and communication
- Early literacy and phonics
- Emotional regulation
- Social development
Supporting Different Needs
Below you can find further information about how we support specific areas of need.
Autism and ADHD
We recognise that neurodivergent pupils may experience the world differently. We provide structured routines, clear language, visual supports and thoughtful adaptations to help pupils feel secure and succeed.
We work in partnership with families and specialist services to ensure consistency and understanding.
Speech, Language and Communication
Communication underpins learning, friendships and confidence. We identify speech and language needs early and provide structured, evidence-based support within the classroom and through targeted interventions.
We work closely with families and, where appropriate, with Speech and Language Therapists to ensure joined-up support.
SEND Support
Most additional needs are supported through high-quality classroom teaching and carefully planned interventions. This page explains how we identify needs, create support plans and monitor progress over time.
SEND Advice
Navigating statutory processes can feel complex. Here you will find clear information about EHCPs, referrals, and external services, along with links to trusted guidance.
Parent Support and Courses
Families are central to success. We share practical strategies, signpost local services and encourage partnership at every stage.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
We maintain a strong safeguarding culture and work proactively to ensure pupils feel safe in school. Emotional wellbeing, regulation and respectful relationships are actively taught and modelled.
Attendance at Northfields is strong, reflecting pupils’ sense of belonging and security.
Lynx Class
Where every child belongs, grows and succeeds
Lynx is Northfields’ specialist provision for pupils with complex special educational needs. Many of our pupils have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and a range of additional needs, including autism, speech and language needs, social communication differences and sensory processing needs. Every pupil is supported as an individual, with provision carefully tailored to their unique profile.
Our purpose-built provision offers a structured, nurturing and engaging environment where pupils can feel safe, understood and ready to learn. We recognise that children learn in different ways, so teaching is personalised to build on strengths while supporting areas of need.
The Lynx team works closely with families and a range of professionals to provide consistent, coordinated support. Pupils benefit from smaller teaching groups, personalised learning, sensory-informed practice, communication support and carefully planned opportunities to develop emotional regulation, independence and social skills.
Learning is ambitious, meaningful and designed to help every pupil achieve their potential. Alongside literacy, mathematics and the wider curriculum, we place a strong emphasis on communication, emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, life skills and preparing pupils for successful futures. Wherever appropriate, pupils access learning and wider school life alongside their mainstream peers, enabling them to build friendships and develop a strong sense of belonging within the Northfields community.
At Northfields, we believe that every child deserves to feel valued, successful and included. Through high expectations, strong relationships and personalised support, Lynx enables pupils to flourish both academically and personally.
If you would like to find out more about Lynx or arrange a visit, please contact the school office or see our welcome slideshow here: