We at Knockbreda PS are aware that while school life can be exciting for most children, children
with SEN will see the experience differently. We are therefore committed to ensuring that all
children will receive a curriculum that is at a pace and quality that suits their learning needs,
ensuring that each child with SEN will make progress in all aspects of learning both in the
curriculum and life skills in order to reach their full potential.
What life in school looks like?
We currently have two Learning Support centres (LSC) to cater for children with statements. A junior
LSC (P3-5) and a senior LSC (P6-7).
Within school support
The Engage Programme; targeting children who are identified as under-achieving. These children
identified using quantitative and qualitative assessment tools. These children are involved in
group, booster programmes for both literacy and numeracy.
Teachers and Classroom assistants who are regularly trained and committed to listening and
partnership with parents.
Regular communication between teachers and SENCo in order to provide each individual child with
support that they need.
Sensory room – space for children to regulate their feelings and emotions.
This help line was set up initially to support the transition process of pupils with SEN, however
has been an increasing need for parental support with the demands of educating a child with SEN.
If you feel your child needs additional support within school please do not hesitate to speak to us.
SENCO is Mrs C Poole who would be happy to listen to your concerns.
What is SENCO?
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is a designated teacher responsible for the day to day
operation of the school’s Special Educational Needs Policy.
This includes liaising with teachers, parents and other relevant professionals, maintaining the
school’s Special Educational Needs Register, and ensuring that all teachers are trained to meet the
special educational needs of pupils in the school.
Definition of SEN
Extracts from the 1996 Education (NI) Order 1996, Part II Children with SEN:
3(1) For the purposes of the Education Orders a child has “special
needs” if they have a
learning difficulty which calls for “special educational provision” to
(2) For the purposes of this Part, subject to paragraph (3), a child has a
difficulty”if they have significantly greater difficulty in
learning than the majority
of children their age,
(4) In the Education Orders, “special educational provision” means
educational provision which is “additional to” or, “otherwise different
from”, the educational provision made generally for other children of their age
in an ordinary school.
The NI Code of Practice
Schools follow The Code of Practice which addresses the identification, assessment and
made for all children who may have special educational needs at some time in their school careers,
or even earlier. You can view an electronic version of the code of practice using the link below: