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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

SENCO meeting for secondary school

3 replies

LMonkey · 23/06/2024 21:53

DS is in year 6 and tomorrow I've got a meeting with DS's secondary school SENCO lead (I'll be alongside his primary school SENCO teacher who is also his year 6 teacher), to discuss his transition to secondary school. We're in a bit of a strange zone I guess as he hasn't been diagnosed yet, but has a referral for an ASD assessment which wont take place for another couple of years. I've got total brain fog. I obviously know I need to discuss how they're going to support him generally, but can anyone make any recommendations/ suggestions as to anything specific I should be asking them? I know I sound stupid, but its the kind of situation where I rack my brains beforehand then afterwards I'll think of stuff I should have asked them 🤔🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
Toomanyminifigs · 24/06/2024 10:08

It's encouraging that the secondary school Senco has agreed to meet with you beforehand. Many don't (partly due to workload).

You will know what your Ds's triggers/difficulties are but a few things to cover, I would suggest:

Is the school running any additional transition sessions/days?

Are you able to meet with/talk to your DS's form tutor before he starts? Or how can you contact them if any difficulties arise? If there any friendship issues you need to cover off from primary? (If others from his primary are attending the same secondary.)

What will homework look like for Yr7s. If you feel this may be an issue you can flag it now. See if the school run homework clubs. (Some DC with autism refuse to do homework at home, or feel overwhelmed by the expectations.) Schools should tailor their homework expectations for DC with additional needs.

Likewise with PE. Some DC find changing difficult, need extra time, support to participate. It's worth flagging up if competitive team games are an issue.

Will your DS be OK with the uniform? Some DC have sensory issues around ties etc.

Is there somewhere for DC to go at break/lunchtimes if your DS feels overwhelmed. In my experience, it's the unstructured times of the day that can be the hardest. Some DC go to the library so it's worth asking if that might be possible. Are there clubs someone could support him to attend?

How does the school support DC to make friends?

What does lunchtime look like? Will your DS be able to cope with the queues, the choosing?

Do you feel your DS needs extra support around his learning? You don't say what his academic profile is like. Many schools run 'nurture' groups in key subjects like maths and english. So it's worth asking what they look like.

Support should be based on need not diagnosis. However, as I'm sure you know, schools are really struggling with decades of chronic underfunding. If your DS's support needs are significant, it may be worth applying for an EHCP as without one tailored support can't be guaranteed.

BrumToTheRescue · 24/06/2024 17:38

Too late for today’s meeting but when you speak to the SENCO again to add to @Toomanyminifigs excellent suggestions.

How will DS’s teachers be informed of his additional needs and the support he needs? (Don’t assume messages automatically get passed on.)
Where can DS go if he is overwhelmed during lesson and needs time away from the classroom?

If they are relevant to DS:
Can DS have a time off pass?
Can DS move 5 mins early/late between lessons to avoid the rush?
Will DS be given a laptop? (if he uses one.)

maybeCornish · 26/06/2024 20:18

Watching with interest as this will be us next year , though I very much doubt we will have the option to have an individual meeting with the SENCO.

@LMonkey how did it go? Any advice for the future?

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