Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) at The Haefen

At The Haefen, our approach to SEND is rooted in our core belief of “stage not age”. We recognise that every child’s journey is unique, and we are committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of need, are supported to feel safe, valued, and able to succeed.

Our school is designed to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where barriers to learning are understood, reduced, and, wherever possible, removed.

We specialise in supporting children with a wide range of additional needs, particularly those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Our provision is highly personalised, combining strong relationships, therapeutic-informed practice, and carefully adapted teaching approaches.

We prioritise emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress, understanding that children learn best when they feel secure, regulated, and confident.

Our Approach

• Individualised support tailored to each child’s strengths and needs
• A stage not age curriculum that meets pupils where they are in their learning
• Small group and 1:1 support to build confidence and close gaps
• Flexible teaching strategies, including movement, sensory, and outdoor learning
• Daily opportunities for regulation, reflection, and emotional support
• Integration of our Six Core Strengths to support personal development and resilience

We work closely with families, external professionals, and the wider community to ensure a consistent and joined-up approach.

Communication with parents and carers is a key part of our SEND offer, and we value working in partnership to achieve the best outcomes for every child.

SENCo Contact Details

Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) is Mrs Emma Donegan.

If you would like to discuss your child’s needs or find out more about our SEND provision, please contact her at:

edonegan@thehaefenschool.co.uk

Further Information

For full details on how we support children with SEND and ensure that all pupils can access learning at The Haefen, please refer to the following documents:

• SEND & Inclusion Policy
• SEND Information Report
• Accessibility Plan
• Equality Plan and Objectives
• Transition Strategy

(Links to these documents can be found lower down on this page.)

Useful SEND Links

• Essex County Council
  Guidance, services, and support available to families.
• Essex Local Offer
  Detailed information about the local SEND offer, services, and advice for parents and carers, including information on the Ordinarily Available Offer.
• Families in Focus
  
• MAZE
  

At The Haefen, we are committed to ensuring that every child not only accesses education but thrives within it, academically, socially, and emotionally, so that they can move forward with confidence and a strong sense of self.