At Cotton End Forest School, we are proud of our fully inclusive approach to education, ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential. Our commitment to pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is led by Diane Catchpole, our Assistant Headteacher and SENCo.
The SENCo works closely with senior leaders, teachers, support staff and families to ensure that early identification of need is a key priority. Pupil progress is carefully monitored through termly pupil progress meetings, where assessment information is reviewed in detail to ensure that support is timely, effective and responsive to each child’s needs.
As a result of this rigorous monitoring, targeted interventions are thoughtfully planned and implemented to provide the right support at the right time. This ensures that assessment of pupil progress is robust and accurate, allowing children with SEND to make good progress from their starting point, academically, socially and emotionally within our nurturing Forest School environment.
At Cotton End Forest School, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that all pupils feel valued, supported and able to thrive.
The following documents will give you more information in relation to SEND and how school and home can support children. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss SEND at our school, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Mrs Diane Catchpole
Assistant Head/SENCo
01234 740100
senco@cottonendforestschool.co.uk
CEFS Accessibility Plan 2024-27
SEND-information-report-and-policy-2025-26
SEND Code of Practice link below:
Pets as Therapy –
Julie and Audrey, our therapy dog, attend school once a week to visit our vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils to support mental health and wellbeing. The children are so excited to see her each week!
Bedford Borough Council Local Offer provides all the information you need regarding support for your child’s special educational needs and disabilities.
Parentline: for parents and carers of those aged 0-19 TEXT 07507 331456
Parentline offers advice and support on a range of issues such as weaning, sleep and emotional health. You can also find out how to access other local services.
ChatHealth: for young people aged 11-19 TEXT 07507 331450
ChatHealth is a similar service for young people to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues or make an appointment with a school nurse. Young people can also find out how to access other local services including emotional support.
Educational Psychologist and ASAT consultations.
To book an appointment, contact the Psychology Team on 01234 228 693 or email schoolsupport@bedford.gov.uk
SENDIASS
Useful contacts for Parents and Carers
NHS Supporting Children and Young People with Anxiety
Stategies_and_activities_for_helping_sensory_processing_difficulties_-_NHS
office@cottonendforestschool.co.uk
(01234) 740100