SEND
SEND Coordinator: Mrs L Carey
At Alkerden Academy, we uphold the highest commitment to supporting all of our students to achieve excellent progress in a supportive environment. This is done through high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, differentiated for individual students as necessary, by our teaching staff. We also offer excellent pastoral care for all of our students.
In some cases, students require additional support from the SEND team. We work in close partnership with parents and seek support from outside agencies as necessary. If you have any concerns about your child, the best place to start is by talking to their Class Teacher, who will know your child well and will usually be able to help or will seek advice on how best to provide support. If you continue to have concerns, we are happy to discuss these with you. The best way to contact our SEND coordinator in the first instance is by email: SEND@alkerdenacademy.co.uk.
View our Alkerden Academy's SEND policy and Information Report here.
You can also find information and resources on SEND on our Trust website here
Further information
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Alkerden’s Christian vision support my learner with SEND?
Our vision is underpinned by the Christian vision for inclusion and hope, which means every child is celebrated and honoured as unique. We strive to create a community where your child is valued, empowered to thrive, and supported to become an engaged, active learner in an environment of kindness and collaboration.
What specialist support is available for learners with SEND?
We offer a graduated approach to supporting learners:
- Quality First Teaching in every classroom, tailored to diverse needs linked to our Alkerden Heart
- Targeted interventions (e.g., literacy, numeracy, social skills)
- Specialist staff (e.g., SENDCo, teaching assistants, external therapists)
All underpinned by our inclusive ethos of being a community where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive - For county-wide guidance and additional resources, you can also refer to Kent County Council’s SEND services:
Kent County Council SEND Local Offer
How are individual needs identified and reviewed?
Early identification begins in the Reception year and continues through transition points. We:
- Gather information from families and professionals
- Use observations, assessments, and specialist advice
- Create personalised plans with SMART targets and review
How can I be involved in my child’s learning and progress?
Partnership with families is central to our vision for collaboration. You will be invited to:
- Teacher/learner progress meetings
- SEND review meetings
- Workshops and training sessions
- Informal coffee mornings with the SEND team
Together, we nurture the whole learner, “embracing diversity and supporting one another every step of the way.”
What transition support is in place from primary to secondary phases?
Transition is carefully planned so that your child moves “from the early years to adulthood” with confidence:
- Taster days and school visits
- Meet-and-greets with new tutors and mentors
- For those identified as needing additional transition, there may be personalised transition plans, including social stories and pre‑visits.
You may also find Kent County Council’s advice on preparing for secondary school useful:
Kent County Council – Preparing for Secondary Transfer
How do you foster social and emotional development for learners with SEND?
We offer a range of pastoral and therapeutic support:
- Community leaders
- External counselling and therapy referrals
- Opportunities in student leadership, fostering confidence and principled action
Our goal is to help each child become “reflective, confident, articulate, principled, creative and open minded.”
How does the academy adapt the curriculum for different learners?
Our curriculum is flexible and differentiated:
- Scaffolded tasks and alternative recording methods
- Use of assistive technology and visual supports
- Hands‑on, creative learning opportunities
This embraces our vision to nurture the whole learner, ensuring every child can analyse complex issues and develop their social conscience.
What external partnerships and specialist services do you work with?
We work closely with:
- The Local Authority’s Inclusion Team
- Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Educational Psychology services
- Local SEND support groups and charities
These partnerships help us live out our inclusive ethos - “celebrating and honouring the uniqueness of each person.”
Who can I contact for more information or to discuss my child’s needs?
Success is not measured by exams alone but by growth in:
- Academic progress against individual targets
- Confidence, independence, and wellbeing
- Engagement in academy life and social conscience
We believe success means every learner is engaged and happy in academy life.