SEND
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
At Stella Maris we believe that all our children deserve access to effective teaching and learning; academically, socially and spiritually. We always take individual children’s needs into account when planning the curriculum, and adapt our approach to the provision we offer in the light of each new challenge. Our pupil-centred approach to all aspects of school life (such as making pupil voice central to our monitoring and using Supportive Behaviour Management to develop children’s ability to manage their own behaviour appropriately) ensures that all of our children are well prepared to make the most of what life has to offer, both at school and in later life.
Our ‘five values’, which are central to the school Mission Statement – Love, Trust, Respect, Care, Share – express both the rights and responsibilities that we champion for all our children, regardless of any specific barriers they may experience to their learning.
We have a dedicated and optimistic staff who work extremely hard to ensure that all children, regardless of the specific challenges they face, get the most out of their time at school. Our teachers, in partnership with the parents and supported by the Inclusion Co-ordinator and her team of highly professional Teaching Assistants, help the children to make good progress, measured from their individual starting points.
Our Inclusion Co-ordinator (SENCO) is Mrs C. Archibald – she can be contacted on 01303 252127
Our SEND Policy
Our Accessibility Plan
SEND support for Parents/Carers
What is the local offer?
The local offer provides online information about what is available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) up to the age of 25 in your local area. Please click here to find out about the services on offer, how things work, your entitlements and where to get help if you need it.
Mainstream Core Standards
The Mainstream Core Standards support us in all aspects of SEND Provision. Please click here to find out more.
Kent County Council SEND Strategy
The aim of the SEND strategy is to improve the educational, health and emotional wellbeing outcomes for all of Kent's children and young people with special educational needs and those who are disabled.
The Kent SEND Strategy 2025 to 2028
Speech and Language Support
Speech, Language and Communication development are important life skills. They are linked to learning, attainment, behaviour, social and emotional development as well as mental wellbeing.
We are committed to supporting the speech, language and communication development of all our pupils. We are working in partnership with our NHS link Speech & Language Therapist as well as Specialist Teachers and Inclusion Advisers to continue to improve our practice and provision and help to ensure that all our Young Adults reach their potential. Your child may therefore come into contact with the Speech & Language Therapist within their classroom or around school.
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication skills, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. We will then work together with you to agree next steps. You will be kept informed about any plans to support your child.
Development Language Disorder
NHS - DLD Information for Parents/Carers
Speech and Language Support - Advice Sheets
Understanding Language (Classroom)
More Resources
SEND Information for Parents and Carers
ADHD
Autism Awareness
Video - Amazing Things Happen by Alexander Amelines
Professional category finalist Alexander's film gives an uplifting introduction to autism for young non-autistic audiences, aiming to raise awareness and understanding.
Talking to your child about Autism
Information for children about what autism is.
Dyslexia Support
Speech and Language Resources
Language Link - Position Cards
Language Link - Category cards - Home
Language Link - Category cards - Food
Language Link - Category cards - Animals
Language Link - Category cards - Places
Language Link - Alien visitor cards
Language Link - Sentence structure
Language Link - Sentence structure 2