Meet the SENDCo

 

Hello. My name is Victoria Gamble, and I am the SENDCo at The Firs Lower School.

I have been a teacher for the last 26 years and am passionate about ensuring that all children reach their potential and are supported in an environment that is inclusive, respectful and fun.

 

What is the role of a SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator)?

A SENDCo is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy. All mainstream schools must appoint a teacher to be their SENDCo. The SENDCo will co-ordinate additional support for pupils with SEND and liaise with their parents, teachers and other professionals who are involved with them. It is my responsibility to support early identification and plan interventions for children with special educational needs and or disabilities and will be a useful contact for parent/carers who have any concerns about their child’s development.

I work very closely with the teachers to try and develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to a child's learning and ensuring that they receive effective teaching through assessing the child’s needs and setting targets for improvement. I also collaborate with curriculum co-ordinators to make sure that the learning requirements of all children with SEND are given equal emphasis and priority.

When might you need to get in touch with me?

If your child has not been diagnosed as having a special need, but you think things are not progressing as they should, or you have concerns for their learning or development, your first contact will be with your child’s class teacher. If the needs are likely to be more than a minor concern that can be dealt with by the class teacher, a further meeting with me may be necessary. I may be able to offer initial advice on the best way forwards.

I can observe your child in school, talk to other staff members and look at any records and assessments that may indicate a difficulty. This may suggest that your child just needs a little extra help, or that SEND professionals need to become involved to diagnose a specific need.

Children with identified additional needs are placed on our SEND register and have a Pupil Support Plan that is co-developed to include targets for the term, specific support needed and any additional interventions that will enable your child to achieve and progress.

In addition, my role is also to oversee the Pastoral care of the children at The Firs. Should you have any concerns regarding your child’s emotional and mental health, I can provide a safe, caring and supportive programmes of support, ranging from regular check-ins to specific interventions.

How can I get in touch?

My working days at The Firs are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. My office is in the Swallow Room by the Year 4 classrooms, so if you need to drop in for a chat at morning drop off that is where I will usually be. I will also be available at parents evenings and open evenings.

I can be contacted at victoria.gamble@firslower.org.uk or via the school office on 01525 402735.

I look forward to working with all the children at The Firs and, should you find that your child needs additional support, we can work together to make their time at The Firs positive and successful.