All children irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, background and attainment, including special needs or disability have an entitlement to be valued and respected as an equal member of our learning community.

At Canonbury, we have developed  a culture where policies and practices include all pupils, as we value the fact that our children bring different experiences, interests and strengths that influence the way they learn.  As a result, we continually strive to:

-          Set suitable learning challenges

-          Respond to pupils’ diverse learning needs

-          Overcome potential barriers to learning and assessment for 

            individuals and groups of pupils

Special Educational Needs

 The term ‘special educational needs’ (SEN) refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn or to access education than most children of the same age.

Children learn in different ways, and can have different levels or types of SEN.  Some children may need support for only a short time, whereas others may need support for many years. Most children with SEN can have their needs met at Canonbury through our provision and sometimes with the support of specialists from outside agencies.

We strive to ensure that children’s needs are identified and assessed as early as possible and that they have access to educational experiences that are:

- Broad

- Balanced

- Differentiated

- Appropriate to their individual needs.

If  your child has been identified as having SEN, we will plan their education taking account of the guidance given in the SEN Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 and Code of Practice; the SEN Code of Practice and Toolkit 2002 and related legislation, guidance and circulars.

For further information, please read a summary of the Code of Practice in the booklet, ‘SEN: a guide for parents and carers’.  

We recognise the importance of pupil and parental involvement in all aspects of the SEN and do our utmost to work in partnership at every stage of the process.

Diane Thompson

Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion and SENDCO

diane.thompson@canonbury.islington.sch.uk