During their time at school, pupils may be identified as having a special educational need (SEN). This need may not be permanent, and some children may be identified as having SEN for part of their school life, whilst others may require support for the whole time they are at William Murdoch Primary School. The child’s needs will be categorised using the SEN Code of Practice (DfE 2015) in the following four areas:

• Cognition and Learning

• Communication and Interaction

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health

• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

The school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos) ensure that there are appropriate strategies in place to support each child, enabling them to access the curriculum. At times, external agencies such as the Educational Psychology Service, Pupil and School Support, Hearing and Visual Impairment Teams, the Communication and Autism Team and medical specialists will offer support following requests from the SENCos.

The school provides equal access to opportunities for all its pupils, including those with disabilities. There is access to all ground floor areas, and the school reviews its Accessibility Plan on a regular basis. An accessible toilet facility is available in Lower School for wheelchair users.

Since September 2014, all schools have been required to publish a ‘Local Offer’ detailing the provision that is in place for children who have special educational needs or disabilities. If you would like to find out more information on Birmingham’s Local Offer, please visit:
https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/

We have an inclusive, proactive and child-centred approach to supporting pupils with additional needs and are supported by the Local Authority (LA) to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school. We achieve educational inclusion by:

• Identifying and overcoming potential barriers to learning and assessment

• Responding to diverse learning needs

• Setting suitable and aspirational learning challenges for all children

The Graduated Approach

At William Murdoch Primary School, we follow the graduated approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs, as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. This is a continuous cycle of four stages: Assess, Plan, Do, Review.

• Assess:
  We identify a pupil’s strengths and areas of need through ongoing assessment, observation and discussions with parents/carers, staff and, where appropriate, the pupil themselves.

• Plan:
  Appropriate support and interventions are planned, with clear outcomes identified. This may include additional provision, targeted support or adjustments to teaching. Parents/carers are informed and involved in this process.

• Do:
  The plan is implemented by class teachers, with support from the SENCo where necessary. High-quality teaching remains the first step in responding to pupils with SEN. Class teachers remain responsible for the progress and development of all pupils, including those receiving additional support.

• Review:
  The effectiveness of the support is reviewed regularly. Progress is monitored and the plan is adjusted as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child. Parents/carers are involved in reviewing progress.

This cycle ensures that support is carefully tailored to each child and is regularly reviewed to meet their changing needs.

To view the school’s SEND Information Report (updated annually), please click the link below.

William Murdoch Primary School SEND Information Report 2025-26

For further information on our support for pupils with SEND, please refer to the SEND Policy found in the School Policies section of this website.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos): Mrs Pannu or Mrs Kullar on 0121 554 0999.

The SEND Local Offer website includes information, advice, support and resources for families, professionals, children and young people in Birmingham.

Please take a look at the short video below which explains what support is available for SEND families in Birmingham:

YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/TcAblK6EVQ0

British Sign Language version:
https://youtu.be/eG6co9SAhK0