Claire Hill Specialist Outreach Teacher for Calderdale Local Authority:
Working as a Specialist Outreach Teacher within the Autism Outreach Team I have a close working relationship with Dean Field and support staff members in meeting the needs of their autistic individuals within school. Whilst visiting school it is clear that good autism practice is embedded throughout the school setting, strategies are a part of the quality first teaching and within the wider provision within the school Pupils are seen as individuals and staff members have a good understanding of the individual strengths and differences of their pupils which enables them to personalize the reasonable adjustments and support that each pupil requires. They are a proactive setting who will seek additional advice and support for those pupils who require more targeted support. Dean Field will then implement and review the strategies that have been advised.
I have been invited to deliver training to both teaching and support staff, which ensures that all staff members have a good understanding of autism. Staff members were engaged and active participants in the training; they discussed and applied the knowledge within the training to their school community and asked questions to develop their understanding further. The Senco attends all training and network opportunities that are provided by the authority; it is clear from school visits that she then returns to school and implements strategies and advice discussed during these opportunities. Recent training focused on Sensory Processing, since the training school have implemented sensory circuits into their daily provision, these sessions have been the best that I have observed in a setting, and they clearly benefit those pupils who access this provision. Dean Field is also a friendly and welcoming school to visit. They are flexible when we work with individuals and accommodate any requests that we make; this is not only observed by myself but by other colleagues who directly work with Dean Field and their pupils.
Gemma Fletcher Senior SEN Officer Calderdale:
I have consistently found Dean Field to be highly collaborative and committed to inclusive practice. Their proactive approach ensures that pupils with additional needs are supported effectively within a mainstream setting, reflecting the local authority’s vision for inclusion. The team demonstrates a genuine commitment to ensuring pupils thrive and their strong communication makes partnership work seamless and effective. They are consistently open to advice, responsive, and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for vulnerable learners. This outward-facing ethos and dedication to inclusion make our joint work both positive and impactful.
Emma Ingham – SEND & Inclusion Service Lead for Calderdale
As part of the LA strategy for ensuring SEND children and young people can be educated in their local school as much as possible, the school were approached to open an internal SEND unit which will support children in reception and key stage 1 who may need some specialist type provision on top of that which is ordinarily available.
The school have been supported by the LA to create their Italy class. The dedication of the staff and the desire of the leadership team to work with the authority to create this provision is testament to the ethos of inclusivity we are striving for from our schools.
The impact of this work has been phenomenal for the children and families and the testimonials shared with the LA have demonstrated the importance of the continuation of this practice. As service lead for SEND in the authority I am thankful that Dean Field have continued to demonstrate their desire to meet the needs of all of the children in their community as best they can.