Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
The Academy at St James is an inclusive school, where every member of the school community is included in all aspects of school life.
If you would like any further information about what we offer at The Academy at St James then please read this Parent Information Leaflet. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
The Academy at St James’ SENDCo is Ruthi Thompson.

Mrs Thompson
Mrs Thompson can be contacted by email: ruth.thompson@stjames.bdat-academies.org or telephone 01274 777095 or through the main office at office@stjames.bdat-academies.org
We do our very best to ensure that all children can access all things as best as we can. We do not see SEND as a barrier to accessing the full curriculum and ensure that children with SEND are fully included in all activities in order to promote the highest levels of achievement.
For example, if a child had a physical disability, they can always be incorporated in to a PE lesson with adaptation and effort; we make that effort. We are prepared to seek advice, resources, equipment and training when needed in order to provide quality-learning experiences for our children. Over the last 24 months, our training has featured on autism (ASC), ADHD and sensory difficulties, and prevalent aspects of SEND, which we are currently supporting children with. For more information regarding our Curriculum please click here.
Admissions into our school for children with SEND (Admissions Policy)
At The Academy at St James we look at the educational needs of a pupil with disabilities and, in liaison with all other professionals involved with the pupil, plan a comprehensive learning package, which will allow for learning opportunities to be put in place. This means that the pupil and all adults involved in supporting that pupil will meet to plan the educational provision best suited to the needs of the individual pupil. At all times we will work closely with parents to ensure that their child receives the very best educational experience that The Academy at St James can offer.
Discrimination
At The Academy at St James we have an Equal Opportunities Policy, therefore every pupil is provided with equal opportunity to access all aspects of our curriculum. The Academy at St James welcomes any suggestions as to how we can further improve this area.
Access – Accessibility Plan
The Academy at St James is all housed in one building and is contained on one site. The school is all on one level and can be accessed through a number of entrances. We have ramp access and have facilities to accommodate physical disabilities, such as disabled toilets. We have made adaptations to parts of the building following advice from external agencies. We have an adapted school minibus where wheelchairs can be belted into.