Guide to our provision

SEND at OBA

OBA is a secondary school for 11 – 18 years with a 6th form offering students a personalised post-16 experience where they develop an impressive academic profile and become confident, well rounded 21st Century learners. Our Nurture Group provision is designed to support students who have not reached Level 4 by the end of KS2 and provides intensive support in a small group environment.

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every young person has the ability to achieve great things, coupled with a desire to provide the highest standards in teaching and learning. We have high expectations of all our students and are dedicated to creating an inclusive Academy where every student can feel safe, enjoy and achieve.

Ormiston Bushfield Academy will act as a catalyst to further raising achievement in the Orton community and also make a positive contribution to the educational outcomes for the whole family of Peterborough schools. The Ormiston Bushfield Academy will create a learning environment where valuing and caring for the individual are at the centre of our priorities.

The focus is very much on providing learning opportunities which excites, motivates and challenges students and encourages lifelong learning and an interest in the world around them. We want students to be happy and able to realise their full potential whilst demonstrating diligence, self -discipline, good manners and a concern for others.

The Academy will take a student centered and personalised approach to learning which will recognise and value the skills and talents of each individual. The pervading culture of the Academy will be one in which every student feels that they can succeed and in which their aspiration to be lifelong learners will be supported and encouraged. In addition we believe in and are committed to the development of the whole child, nurturing their personal and social skills, sense of enquiry, as well as their resilience to face life’s challenges.

The Academy and the Ormiston Trust, its sponsor, fully endorse the academic, vocational, social and moral development of students in such a way that they emerge as independent, responsible and co-operative young people, ready to make a positive contribution.

The Academy identifies special educational needs in a variety of different ways namely:

  • Primary transition including attending EHCP review meetings, observation of students in primary settings and transitions visits
  • Information provided by professionals outside school such as ASD Outreach Team, GP’s, Educational Psychologists
  • Parental concerns and/pupil self-referral
  • Detailed screening and assessments upon entry
  • Subject teachers concerns/observations

If you have concerns your child may have special education needs please contact the SENCO Mr Leigh Drew.

OBA has a specialist provision in providing support for students with Dyslexia.

The SENCO manages a team of dedicated and skilled teaching assistants who hold a range of qualifications and who are supported by two Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA’s) who hold a range of qualifications including NVQ Level 3.

Our Specialist Teacher is also qualified to assess an individual’s entitlement to access arrangements for exams from Year 10 onwards.

The support we put in place is dependent on the level of “need” of a student and where appropriate we adapt the learning environment.

All staff in OBA are aware of pupil’s special educational need and are given training and strategies to use in the classroom in order to meet the students’ needs through Quality First Teaching. Effective differentiation/personalisation will enable your child to participate fully in all aspects of learning to make the best possible progress.

The SENCO works in conjunction with outside professionals, teachers and TAs to determine the level of need. TA support is allocated according to the level of need and the type of provision needed, as they are no longer quantified as ‘hours of support’. This is based on discussions and guidance from the local authority. The school budget may be used to target individuals.

We monitor the effectiveness of our SEND provision by regular monitoring, contact with Heads of House, Tutors, tracking and observations and also at Education Health and Care Plan review meetings.

In addition to the normal reporting arrangements to parents/carers, children and young people to discuss progress, to plan and review support, specific approaches and/or programmes we offer:

  • Annual review meetings, parent/carers meetings, email, parents evening
  • On-line google drive learning platform
  • Contact with tutors

Our Academy offers pastoral, medical and social support to students by:

  • Tutor who oversees the well-being of your child on a daily basis along with a Keyworker for children with EHCP’s / Statements
  • Head of Year
  • Year Support Assistants
  • Teaching Assistants
  • Keyworkers (children with EHCP’s / Statements)
  • Pastoral support
  • First Aider – who offers medical advice and assistance and administers medicines as authorised and directed by parents/carers
  • School Nurse
  • Student Support Officer
  • Links with outside agencies
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Assemblies
  • PCSO

We encourage our students to contribute their views by discussing their concerns with House Support Team, student council, their tutor or year group representatives.

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