Special Educational Needs and Disability
Special Educational Needs means that a child needs something special providing for them, which is additional to, or different from, the educational provision made generally for children their age, in order for them to reach their full potential or to be fully included in the school.
Some children on the Special Educational Needs register do have a lower academic ability than others or have difficulties with understanding and attainment. However, it is also important to note that this is often not the case; being told that your child has ‘special needs’ does not necessarily mean that he or she is ‘behind’ their peers in their learning or of low ability.
There are many reasons why a child may find learning difficult. For example, the pupil may be experiencing emotional difficulties, they may need a course of speech therapy, be coping with dyslexia, have problems with their hearing or have a medical condition or disability which requires special attention. If these difficulties are managed effectively, there is no reason why the child cannot reach his / her potential.
Further information:
Mrs S Middleton-Wood – SENDCO
01482 325913
“Teachers have excellent subject knowledge.”
— Ofsted, Curriculum and teaching · February 2026
“Leaders have a sharp and accurate understanding of the school’s context, strengths and priorities.”
— Ofsted, Leadership and governance · February 2026
“Pupils feel that they belong, and they grow both socially and academically.”
— Ofsted, Leadership and governance · February 2026
“Pupil premium funding is used extremely effectively.”
— Ofsted, Inclusion · February 2026
“Pupils achieve very well.”
— Ofsted, Achievement · February 2026
“Inclusion underpins all of the practice at Clifton Primary School.”
— Ofsted, Inclusion · February 2026
“Pupils are respectful, happy and hardworking.”
— Ofsted, Attendance and behaviour · February 2026
“Pupils are proud of their school, and there is a strong sense of belonging.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026
“The curriculum is ambitious, creative and detailed across all subjects.”
— Ofsted, Curriculum and teaching · February 2026
“They move on as articulate, kind and culturally aware young people.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026
“Interactions between staff and children are of a consistently high quality.”
— Ofsted, Early years · February 2026
“The expertise of staff ensures that pupils get the right help at the right time.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026
“They are well prepared for secondary school.”
— Ofsted, Achievement · February 2026
“Pupils thrive at Clifton Primary School.”
— Ofsted, Attendance and behaviour · February 2026
“Pupils are confident, resilient and empathetic.”
— Ofsted, Personal development and wellbeing · February 2026