SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Darwen St James’ C of E Primary Academy, we value every child as a unique individual created in the image of God. Guided by our vision—“Nurturing ambition through a living faith”—and our core values of love, hope, perseverance, courage, and friendship, we are committed to providing an inclusive, caring environment where every pupil with SEND can thrive.

We believe that all children, regardless of their specific needs, have an equal right to a broad, balanced curriculum and full participation in every aspect of school life—including clubs, trips, and leadership roles.

Contact Our SEND Team

If you have any questions about your child’s learning, development, or additional needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team:

SENCO: Mrs M. Matthews
Telephone: 01254 703260
Email: dsjsend@cidari.co.uk
ClassDojo: You can also message Mrs Matthews directly on ClassDojo.

How We Support Children with SEND

We support children across the four broad areas of need identified in the DfE SEND Code of Practice:

Communication and Interaction (e.g. Speech and language needs, Autism Spectrum conditions)
Cognition and Learning (e.g. Dyslexia, general learning delays)
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (e.g. Anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation)
Sensory and/or Physical Needs (e.g. Hearing/visual impairments, motor skills)

We follow an assess, plan, do, review approach, working in close partnership with parents and carers at every stage to ensure your child receives the right support at the right time.

Statutory Documents and Policies

Below you can view and download our key statutory SEND documents and policies

The Local Offer & Independent Support

Blackburn with Darwen Local Offer

The Local Offer details the services, support, and activities available across the borough for children and young people with SEN or disabilities.

View the Blackburn with Darwen Local Offer

SENDIASS (Information, Advice and Support Service)

SENDIASS provides free, impartial, and confidential advice and support to parents and carers of children with SEND.

Telephone: 01254 668003
Email: sendiass@blackburn.gov.uk

Concerns or Complaints

We aim to work in close partnership with our families. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s SEND provision, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact Mrs Matthews (SENDCO) in the first instance.

If a matter cannot be resolved informally, please refer to our School Complaints Policy available on our Policies page.

SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years (2014)

Equality Act (2010)

Schools SEN Information Report Regulations (2014)

Blackburn with Darwen Local Offer

Welcome to Our Universal Offer

At Darwen St James, our Christian faith guides us to nurture every child so they can succeed, grow in confidence, and feel valued. We warmly welcome all learners and are committed to making sure every pupil—including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)—gets a complete, fair, and exciting school experience.

What Does "Universal Offer" Mean?

Our universal offer (Level 1 Support) is the strong foundation of high-quality teaching that every single child receives in our classrooms every day.

High-Quality, Tailored Teaching: Our class teachers adapt their lessons so all children can learn alongside their friends, regardless of their starting point.
Comfortable & Supportive Classrooms: We use sensory-friendly spaces (like regulation stations), visual schedules, and simple tools (such as 1:1 Chromebooks) to help children stay focused, comfortable, and confident.
Inclusion Beyond the Classroom: All pupils are actively encouraged to join extra-curricular clubs, go on school trips, and take on pupil roles in the community.

How Support Works: The Three Levels

We use a graduated response (a step-by-step approach) to make sure your child always gets the right level of help at the right time:

Level	What It Means	Who It Is For
Level 1: Universal Provision	High-quality classroom teaching, adapted learning tools, and supportive environments.	Every child
Level 2: Targeted Support	Small-group catch-up sessions, writing scaffolds, or specific focus plans (e.g., phonics or emotional support).	Some learners who need a brief boost or extra help
Level 3: Specialist Support	Bespoke, highly individualised plans, often created with external experts (like Speech & Language or Occupational Therapists).	A few learners with complex or long-term needs

Note: Support is fluid! Children move up or down these levels as their confidence, skills, and needs change.

How We Work Together with You

You know your child best! We believe in strong partnerships with parents and carers every step of the way.

Early Conversations: If we notice your child needs extra help, their class teacher will talk with you straight away.
Assess, Plan, Do, Review: Together with you and your child, we will plan small targets, put support in place, and regularly check how much progress is being made.
Open Communication: We keep you updated on progress, targets, and any extra support being offered.

Need to Get in Touch?

If you ever have a question or concern about your child's learning or needs, please don't hesitate to reach out:

Your Child's Class Teacher: Your primary contact for day-to-day progress.
SENCO: Melissa Matthews (Contact via ClassDojo, school phone, or email at dsj.send@cidari.co.uk