SEND / Home School Liaison

SEND

All Greenwich maintained schools have a similar approach to meeting the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and are supported by the Local Authority to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school.  All schools are supported to be as inclusive as possible, with the needs of pupils with Special Educational Need(s) being met in a mainstream setting wherever possible; where families want this to happen. The Admission arrangements for pupils with disabilities is done through the Royal Borough of Greenwich general admissions, unless a child has an EHCP. If a child has an EHCP then the Royal Borough of Greenwich SEN team will consult with schools to see if a school can meet your child's needs. If a place is offered, then we would arrange a transition meeting with the previous school setting, parents/carers and professionals involved, to ensure a smooth transition. 

Click on the links below to gain further detailed information about provision available for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN):

SEN Reports

SEN Information Report 2024 - 2025

SEND & Inclusion Policy 2023 - 2024

Accessibility Policy 2023 - 2024

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs Karen Dolan. In her role, she meets with class teachers and teaching assistants to ensure all children are provided with appropriate support according to their need.  She also line manages our educational psychologist, speech and language therapists and other professionals to ensure we are effective in meeting the needs of vulnerable children.

For more SEN information, please contact Mrs K Dolan through the school office.  

Royal Borough Of Greenwich SEND Local Offer   

Please see the below link for the Royal Borough of Greenwich local offer for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Offer

The SEND Local Offer became a statutory obligation for all LA’s to develop in the last set of SEND Reforms. It gives children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families information to help them find the right help and support in their area.

It has two main purposes:

• To provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about the support and opportunities that are available.
• To make provision more responsive to local needs.

It brings information in one place and includes:

• Education – support in early years, schools and college, including transport.
• Health – specialist clinics, support and advice for children and young people with medical needs.
• Social care – support for personal care and practical assistance, short breaks and personal budgets.
• Transitions – moving between phases of education and preparing for adulthood.
• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – the statutory EHCP process explained, including applying for a plan, transfers and reviews.
• Information, advice and support – where to get impartial and confidential information, advice and support.

Our Local Offer is co-produced with families and young people so that it is responsive to their needs.  There is a lot of excellent information which can support families and professionals with information but also advice and support. 

Some examples are below:

Find out about:

• What an ASD assessment will look like in one of our new videos - Videos for families and young people | Greenwich Community Directory
• The progress of getting our new all through school for children with an ASD - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer | Greenwich Community Directory
• What our ACE participation groups have been doing - Action Change Equality (ACE) | Greenwich Community Directory
• Ideas to support the youngest children in nursery settings - Early Years SEND - Interventions and strategies | Greenwich Community Directory
• Transition to primary/secondary school - Transition support | Greenwich Community Directory

Paper copies of all the information from the school website are available free of charge from the school office.

Home School Liaison

Home School Liaison / Inclusion Team – Forging Lasting Links:

At Cardwell we are dedicated to working with our community and supporting parents/carers and families in every way that we can.  Equally we rely on mutual support to ensure the very best for Cardwell pupils.

Lynn Preston (Child Welfare Officer) has worked at Cardwell School for many years supporting families and providing a link between families, school and the many agencies that help us provide an outstanding education for all pupils.  They are available to meet and support families and are able to provide a range of support on issues such as housing, social services and medical / specific needs.  Furthermore they are there to support families through difficult times and aim to help provide solutions where needed.

We actively encourage our parents/carers and families to feel free to book an appointment or speak to Mrs Preston on the school gate at the beginning or end of the day. Equally, the Executive Headteacher, Head of School, Acting Deputy Headteachers, SENCO and class teachers are always available on appointment.

Paper copies of all the information from the school website are available free of charge from the school office.