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SPECIAL OR ADDITIONAL NEEDS POLICYOnewhero Area School Policy Health and Safety (National Administration Guideline 5) RATIONALE Students with special needs have the right (Education Act 1989) to attend their local school and receive equitable educational opportunities which will enable them to reach their full potential as individuals. This school will recognise, respect and respond to the diverse needs of all students within the context of the New Zealand Curriculum. PURPOSES This school is committed to promoting inclusive learning programmes to support students with special education needs. This will be achieved through modification of the regular curriculum, adaptation of methods of instruction and/or equipment, and the development of a positive social and emotional environment throughout the school. GUIDELINES 1. The Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) will oversee the management of special education programmes within the school. The co-ordinator will be responsible for helping teachers to identify students who require additional support, setting priorities for the use of special education funding, providing appropriate programmes, monitoring the effectiveness of such programmes and resources, seeking support from relevant agencies and reporting to the Board of Trustees. 2. A range of approaches will be used to identify students with special education needs at school. These can include formal assessments, informal assessments, teacher and parent observation, monitoring by staff and agencies and discussion with parents/caregivers. 3. Referral to outside agencies on behalf of individual students will be made through SENCO in liaison with the Principal. 4. Both withdrawal and in-class programmes will be used to develop students' potential and self-motivation and include all aspects of a student's development (ie. physical, aesthetic, social and academic). 5. Individual Education Plans (IEPS) take into account the student's prior learning and culture and will be developed by those who have regular contact with the student, including the classroom teacher, teacher aides, parents/ caregivers, the student, appropriate agencies and the SENCO. The IEP will identify what the student can currently do, and the next stages for their learning. The IEP will be reviewed at least twice a year. All personnel with an interest in the student will receive a copy. 6. Individual programmes for students with special education needs will be delivered within the regular classroom setting, where practicable. Inclusive teaching practices will be utilised to ensure that the needs of all students are met. Staff will be offered opportunities for professional development and on-going support to enable them to cater effectively for students with special education needs. 7. Individual programmes and additional support for students with special education needs will be funded from a variety of sources including; Operations Grant, RTLB learning Support, Special Education Grant (SEG), Special Learning Support (SLS) and Interim Response Fund from Special Education, MOE. OUTCOMES Students with special education needs and their families will feel welcome at this school and feel included and catered for within the regular classroom setting. Available funding for students with special education needs will be effectively managed and accounted for. Board of Trustees Chairperson: ________________________ 03/05/2011 Policy reviewed: 3rd May 2011. Next review date: 3rd May 2014. |
