Special Educational Needs Department
Here at Manchester Academy our department is responsible for coordinating the assessment and support for students with additional educational needs.
We help many students in a variety of ways ranging from in class strategies (universal approach) to more targeted interventions (targeted approach)
Universal Approach
We work closely with the teaching and learning team to make sure that your time in the classroom is valuable and accessible. These are strategies that are available to all.
Examples of these strategies include: using mini whiteboards, having solid routines and structure to lessons, modelling examples before you practice independently.
If there are certain specific strategies that help you with your learning, you will have a Pupil Passport in place which has useful information for teachers and support staff to help you in your learning.
Targeted Approach
For some students it may be appropriate to have some additional support in place.
We break these down into the 4 areas of need. These are listed below:
Communication and interaction
- Speech and Language therapy
- Social skills groups
- Lego Therapy
- Personal Life skills, preparing for adulthood and transitions
Cognition and learning
- Literacy Vocabulary building,
- Reading and writing programmes e.g. Lexia
Social, emotional and mental health
- Occupational Therapy
- Emotional Regulation and relaxation
- Art Therapy
- Mental Health First Aid
- Pet Therapy
Sensory and/or physical needs
- Sensory aids and support
- Sensory room and quiet room
- Sensory circuits
- Occupational Therapy
If you have any questions about the SEND department you can email our SENCO at
kate.dowden@manchester-academy.org
We look forward to meeting you!