The Gem Federation

Inclusion

At The Gem Federation, we aim to ensure that all children are happy, secure individuals who achieve their full potential in all areas of learning. For most children this will simply mean being the recipient of good quality whole-class teaching. For others there will be a need for additional small group work for short periods of time. For some children intervention may be ongoing, very specific and delivered on a one-to-one basis.

Most of the ways of supporting SEN in the classroom is simply an extension of our general good practice in the classroom, whilst other, more specific strategies are particularly useful in supporting particular needs.  At the Gem Federation we aim to create a positive and supportive environment for all pupils, where children are involved in learning, without exception. 

The Range of Support

The range of support deployed will be tailored to individual need, following thorough assessment by internal or external agencies. It is designed to promote pupils working towards becoming independent, courageous, resilient and ambitious learners. Support Staff receive training in particular interventions and lead on small group or one-to-one sessions. Class teachers also received training and specialist input to meet the needs of individual children. This support reflects the commitment of our school to meet the needs of all our children.

Inclusion Resources and Information

Cognition and Learning

What is Communication and Interaction?

This is when a child has difficulty speaking, understanding language, or interacting with others.

Examples include Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Speech and Language Difficulties.

 Web resources

Nessy - https://learn.nessy.com/account/login#/accountLogin 

Top Marks - https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ 

Touch Typing - https://gemfederation.edclub.com/ 

Phonics Play - https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/resources 

 Spelling Frame - https://spellingframe.co.uk/ 

Communication and Interaction

What is Communication and Interaction?

This is when a child has difficulty speaking, understanding language, or interacting with others.

Examples include Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Speech and Language Difficulties.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

What is Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)?

This is when a child struggles with managing emotions, behaviour, or mental health.
Examples include ADHD, Anxiety, and Attachment Difficulties.

Visit the below link to access an Emotion Coaching webinar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drla1RlmcUw&ab_channel=LambethEPS

Sensory and/or Physical

What is Sensory and/or Physical Needs?

This is when a child has a disability or medical need that affects their ability to access learning.
Examples include Hearing or Visual Impairment, Physical Disabilities, and Sensory Processing Difficulties.

EAL

 One of the great things about The Gem Federation is that our children come from all over the world! We are so lucky that there are over 30 different languages spoken across the year groups.

Whole School Approach to EAL

Our staff are trained in supporting the learning of children who have English as an additional language. They implement a variety of strategies in the classroom to aid children’s development of English, including:

  • Adjustments to classroom organisation – for example pairing an EAL learner with a language buddy
  • Ongoing differentiation – for example using visual supports during lessons
  • Focusing on Language – for example pre-teaching key vocabulary
  • Marking and Feedback – for example using visual or verbal rather than written feedback
  • Communication with home – for example sending home additional language activities

For more information on the types of supports available for EAL learners in the classroom please click on the link below:

Classroom_Support_Strategies_Working_with_EAL_Learners

Students who are new to English

At Bessemer we offer EAL interventions for learners who are new to English. All EAL learners are assessed by their class teachers using the 5 EAL Stages. 

EAL proficiency assessment framework Children identified as Stage A or B EAL learners receive additional intervention, which includes target setting and termly assessment in the following areas:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading and Viewing
  • Writing

For more information on our EAL assessment system please click on the link below.

https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/eal-programme/eal-assessment-framework/

Guidance for Parents

Feel free to download additional languages here: Parental Involvement - The Bell Foundation (bell-foundation.org.uk)

For more information on how you can use home languages to support home learning and school work/ accessing the English education system please click on the link below:

https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/eal-programme/guidance/parental-involvement/​

Transition

Medicine

There is no legal duty that requires school staff to administer medicines. However, in exceptional circumstances we would be willing to undertake this task under the following conditions:

  • Every case is looked at individually and a decision between the Headteacher, key staff and professionals will take place to determine if it is appropriate or not for staff to administer the medication.
  • Consultation with parents/guardians will need to take place prior to administration.
  • Children must not keep their own medicines in school.
  • It is the responsibility of parents to notify the school in writing if the pupil’s need for medication has ceased.
  • There must be clear dialogue between parents/guardians/Health Professionals before any medication is administered to children who have long term or complex medical needs. This will require:
  • Health professionals to give relevant training before any member of staff will administer medicines.
  • Before any medicines will be administered a healthcare plan must be written by the Health professional.
  • If a child refuses to take their medication staff will not force them to do so and will inform the parents of the refusal as a matter of urgency, on the same day.  If a refusal to take medicines results in an emergency, the school’s emergency procedures will be followed.

Supporting Children with Medical Needs in School

Permission for Medicine at School Form

Self-Referral

Speech and Language Drop in for Under 5s

SEMH Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Autism Support

FAQ