At the Richmond upon Thames School (RTS) we are dedicated to meeting the individual needs of all young people. We respect diversity and aim to provide an educational environment in which all young people can thrive. We promote inclusion so that all students can realise their potential in terms of academic and personal achievement through access to the curriculum, extra-curricular activities and by providing support that is tailored to individual needs.

The SEND Co-ordinator (SENDCo), who is also a teacher, heads a department which includes Senior Learning Assistants and a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)

We endeavour to provide inclusive support for SEND students; therefore this will take place in the classroom with the ‘expert in the room’. We work with all teachers in our school to provide access to the curriculum for students who require help.   Where appropriate, students may work in small groups on fundamental literacy or numeracy skills. Inclusive support requires staff to tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs and takes place in the classroom.  We aim to develop independent young people who will be ready for the next stage in their lives be that work, further study or apprenticeships.

The SEND team supports students with Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) as well as those with SEN Support (SEN-K). We work with a number of external agencies including Achieving for Children, Educational Psychologists, NHS Speech & Language Therapists, NHS Occupational Therapists.

Please read our SEND Support Guide for RTS families.

We review the SEN Information Report yearly and this is shared on our website.