Padgate Academy

Padgate Academy is a mixed school for students aged 11-16 and is a member of TCAT - The Challenge Academies Trust.

We provide the highest quality education to young people and our aims at Padgate Academy are as those of the whole TCAT family.

Our vision for our students and staff is captured in our motto: Trust, Teamwork, Tenacity.

We can achieve this vision if we work together – across academies – drawing on the expertise within our family of schools; having learning at the heart of everything we do; and maximising on the learning opportunities available for all.

As individuals we should be striving to improve our practice; as teams we should be determined to support the development and professional growth of each other; and as academies we should be looking at ways of supporting each other to improve and grow into outstanding organisations so that pupil outcomes are the very best they can be.

Leaders, teachers, support staff, pupils, parents and governors working consistently and coherently together to improve the quality of teaching and learning have the potential to build a Trust where every child will experience outstanding teachers and every academy will have outstanding leaders.

At Padgate Academy we want all of our students to achieve well academically and we take great pains to ensure that we have an appropriately broad and balanced curriculum and pastoral structures.

The links between the pastoral care, academic achievement and enrichment opportunities are designed to enable every student to reach his or her potential. We use past student performance to establish a culture of success.

Other Useful contacts

School admissions: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/schools

WBC School admissions, transport and pupil services team: 01925 446226

 

Who to contact

Contact Name
Mr Adam McMillan
Contact Position
Headteacher
Telephone
Tel: 01925 822632
Fax: 01925 851418
E-mail
info@padgateacademy.co.uk
Website
https://padgateacademy.co.uk/

Where to go

Name
Padgate Academy
Address
Insall Road
Fearnhead
WARRINGTON
Cheshire
Postcode
WA2 0LN

Other details

Availability

Local/National Service?
Local

Local Offer

Description

Support for SEND students at Padgate Academy

How will my child be supported at Padgate Academy?

High quality teaching, differentiated for individual students, is the first step in responding to students who have or may have Special Educational Needs. Our team of Teaching Assistants also deliver targeted intervention sessions where appropriate for example for speech and language and social communication as well as literacy and numeracy intervention. The development of Literacy skills is supported through the delivery of the Fresh Start Programme and IDL literacy. Many students use coloured overlays and books to support visual stress. We can provide visual timetables if needed. Support is also available from the Pastoral team for those students who need it. The Hub offers additional support for students at breaks and lunchtimes,

How will the curriculum be matched to my child's needs?

All students will have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. It is the responsibility of the class teacher to ensure that the curriculum and lessons are fully inclusive. Students may also receive support and intervention appropriate to their needs, whether short, medium or long term. This support may be in class or by withdrawal for periods to receive targeted support.

What support will there be for my child's overall wellbeing?

The Academy has a strong system of Pastoral Care and support. Students have the support of their form teacher and Pastoral Lead. Students may also be allocated a key worker within the Academy should additional support be required. Systems and policies are in place for the administration of medicines and care plans are in place where appropriate.

What specialist services and expertise are available at or accessed by Padgate Academy?

We have strong links with external services and regularly hold and participate in multi- agency meetings involving social care, family Support and health agencies. A variety of agencies come into the Academy to complete work with students. These include:

  • School Health Advisor
  • Educational psychologist
  • Specialist teachers for hearing and visual impairments.
  • Speech and language therapists.
  • Occupational therapists
  • ADHD and ASD specialist nurses
  • CAMHS
  • Early Help and Family Outreach workers
  • Youth workers.

Support for the family is very important and we use the Early Help Framework to access a range of services to support students and their families.

What training do staff supporting children and young people with SEND have?

All teaching and support staff receive regular Professional Development to inform them of strategies to support Students with additional needs. Teaching Assistants have also had access to a range of external training opportunities.

We work very closely with external agencies and staff carry out programmes of work (for example from the speech and language team). Referrals are regularly made to other agencies to request further advice and guidance if needed.

How will my child be included in activities outside the classroom including school trips?

The Academy has a policy of inclusion, and all students with SEND are expected to have equal opportunities to participate in all curriculum areas. This involves adapting the curriculum if needed to allow for participation. Students with SEND are included in all trips and residential following appropriate risk assessments to ensure safety is maintained. 

How accessible is the school environment?

The majority of the Academy building is situated at ground floor level. There is a lift available in a two-storey teaching block. A wheelchair ramp is available. The environment has been adapted for visually impaired students, and there are handrails fitted on steps and stairways. There is some disabled toilet access, and the changing rooms are at ground floor level. Should specialist equipment be needed, a key worker will be allocated to ensure this is available and accessible.

How will Padgate Academy support my child in their transition to High School?

Transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 of those students with additional needs begins as early as possible. The SENCo  (Mrs Bretherton) will attend Annual Reviews, Child in Need meetings and Early Help meetings where appropriate during the year prior to transition. Students are visited in their own settings and are offered additional transition visits. Early links with parents/carers is encouraged to ensure successful transition.

How are resources allocated and matched to children's special educational needs?

If a student has an EHCP, the school will ensure the student has access to the provision described in that document. The provision will be reviewed in partnership with parents along with the student to ensure it is suitable in enabling him/her to make good progress whilst at the same time taking responsibility for their own learning and development.

If it is felt that a student would benefit from additional intervention then parents/carers will be informed and the reasons for this will be explained.

The impact will be measured through the student’s progress in lessons.

How does Padgate Academy know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

The SEND Code of Practice makes it clear that all teachers are responsible for identifying students with SEND, and in collaboration with the SENCO, will ensure that those students requiring different and/or additional support are identified at an early stage.

The subject teacher’s responsibilities in identifying special educational needs include observation, monitoring, assessment and evaluation. Assessment data is regularly reviewed to identify areas of concern.

Other professionals such as speech therapists, health visitors and/or educational psychologists may also be involved in the process by completing appropriate assessments.

Parents are encouraged to pass on information and concerns about their child’s health and background by contacting the academy and speaking to their child’s Head of Learning or Mrs Bretherton, the SENCO. 

How will I know how my child is doing and how will you help me to support my child's learning?

Parents and carers will:

  • Receive assessment information four times per academic year. Parents are encouraged to discuss the progress of students at these times. The SENCo reviews all assessment data at this time to review progress and amend levels of support if needed.
  • Be informed when there is a concern about their child’s needs and be encouraged to contribute to the assessment of their needs by attending review meetings and supporting targets set.
  • Be supported in understanding the roles of other professionals.

The SENCO attends all Parents Evenings and is contactable by phone or email at any point during the academic year.

If your child has an EHCP, there will be a statutory Annual review meeting at which the EHCP will be formally reviewed. A representative from the local authority may attend this review.

Contact Name
Kath Bretherton (SENCo)
Contact Telephone
01925 822632
Contact Email
kbretherton@padgateacademy.co.uk
Local Offer Age Bands
11-16 - Secondary

Schools Extended Local Offer Response

How does the setting/school/college know if children/young people need extra help and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs?

 

 

How will the curriculum be matched to my child's/young person's needs?