Westfield Primary School is committed to inclusion and supporting all children to achieve their best and flourish. We pride ourselves on supporting the whole child.

The school aims to provide an appropriate and high quality education for all children living in our local community.  We believe that all children have a common entitlement to a broad and balanced academic and social curriculum.  This will be readily accessible to them and they will be fully included in all aspects of school life. 

A child has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age or has a disability, which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities and provision.  We believe that inclusion is essential in ensuring the equality of opportunity for all learners whatever ability or background.

We know and understand many pupils will have trouble at some time in their education.  We continually assess and plan for your child, this enables us to identify, plan and deliver any additional help your child may need (this could be targeted work, additional support, adapting resources etc.) In addition, discussing amendments with support staff or the SENCo as necessary.

We use SEN Support Plans (SSPs) to support children if an additional need is identified and this will provide targeted support.  Teachers then share and review these plans with parents at least 3 times a year. We constantly look for the impact of the additional provision and consider the next small step for each child.

Parents have commented:

You make such a difference to our child’s life with constant support. 

Thank you for being so approachable and understanding.

It’s great, we are kept up to date with our child’s progress and targets.

And children have also said:

I like doing my special jobs and I know my targets.

I know which adults help me and I can talk to them.

Breakfast club helps me feel ready for school.

It’s not a competition and my teacher helps me in different ways.

I actually like a challenge, but sometimes it is hard.

The nurture group is good and we can talk about our feelings and worries.

For a few children who have complex SEN, they may need personalised support delivered through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  The SENCo, Mrs Vicki Bowery, will apply to the local authority for a needs assessment and additional funding.

Our school works closely with the Local Authority and other agencies to help ensure the needs of all pupils are met:  

  • Speech and Language Therapy 
  • Occupational Therapy  
  • Educational Psychology service 
  • Behaviour Support Specialist teachers
  • Child and Adolescent mental Health Service
  • School Nursing Team 
  • Children missing education Officers  
  • Special School Outreach
  • Physiotherapy

Emotional Support and Development

What support will there be for my child’s emotional wellbeing?

As a school we are dedicated to inclusive practice. This is reflected very strongly in our school ethos and values.

The school offers a range of pastoral support for children who are encountering emotional difficulties.

Thrive Approach:

At Westfield Primary, we use the Thrive Approach to support children’s emotional and social development in a nurturing and understanding way. Thrive is a dynamic, developmental and trauma-sensitive approach that helps children grow into happy, confident individuals who are ready to make the most of every opportunity—both in school and beyond.

We understand that all behaviour is a form of communication. Through Thrive, we focus on understanding children’s needs and providing the right support to help them feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.

This approach helps children to build resilience, develop emotional regulation, and form positive relationships. By offering targeted activities and support, we ensure every child feels valued and understood.

Our HLTA, Mrs Deb Carver, is a highly experienced Thrive practitioner who works with pupils both individually and in small groups. She provides personalised support to help children overcome emotional barriers, build confidence, and engage positively with their learning and school life.

Thrive is also part of everyday classroom practice, where trained staff support children throughout the school day. This ensures a consistent, whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing.

ELSA Support:

We are also proud to offer support through our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Mrs Deb Carver.

Through ELSA sessions, children are supported either one-to-one or in small groups in a calm and safe environment. These sessions help children to better understand their emotions and develop respect for the feelings of others.

Support may focus on areas such as recognising and expressing emotions, managing anger and frustration, coping with bereavement or loss, building self-esteem, and developing positive relationships.

Our aim is to equip children with practical coping strategies so they can manage their emotions more confidently and reach their full potential—both in school and in everyday life.

ELSA support works alongside our wider pastoral care, ensuring that children feel supported, understood, and ready to learn.

Mentoring Plus:

Children facing emotional difficulties can be expertly supported by a dedicated in-school mentor.  Experienced and trained practitioners offer sessions on a regular school day, giving young people space to talk and reflect and develop coping strategies.

Nurture Support:

Westfield Primary School is a nurture aware school, where we use short-term interventions for children with particular social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, which may act as a barrier to their learning. 

Mrs Cheryl Hawkins delivers a range of bespoke sensory circuits for children first thing in the morning, helping to regulate their sensory systems and prepare them for the day ahead.

At Westfield Primary, we work closely with a range of external professionals, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, specialist language teachers, and the Specialist Autism Support Service. This ensures we provide high-quality support that meets each child’s individual needs and helps them develop the skills to be ready, respectful, and safe throughout their school day and beyond.

Our sensory circuits are child-led wherever possible, giving children the opportunity to explore what helps them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. This personalised approach supports their confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing.

Where appropriate, we also link sensory circuits to different areas of learning. Children particularly enjoy exploring subjects such as science, geography, history, and outdoor learning in a hands-on, sensory way that truly brings learning to life.

Our outdoor spaces play an important role in this experience. With our vegetable patch, sensory garden, and barefoot walk, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop their curiosity through their senses in a safe and nurturing environment.

At the heart of our sensory circuits is a simple aim: to support children’s sensory regulation and help them feel settled, confident, and ready to make the most of their school day.

Westfield may also be able to access support from elsewhere.  Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.

  • Your family GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary e.g. a paediatrician.
  • Our School Nurse can provide advice to parents/carers and support on a range of health issues.
  • Where necessary, referrals may be made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or an organisation such as ‘Off the Record’, a free NHS service that assesses and treats children with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.

Autism Champion

At Westfield Primary, our Autism Champion, Mrs Cheryl Hawkins, is passionate about supporting and advocating for our neurodivergent pupils. This includes children with or without a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and dyslexia.

Mrs Hawkins plays an important role in ensuring every child feels understood, valued, and supported. By listening carefully to pupil voice, she promotes a child-led approach, helping to shape support around what works best for each individual.

She also works closely with staff across the school, sharing practical strategies, resources, and insights so that all children can thrive in an inclusive and nurturing environment.

At the heart of her role is a commitment to celebrating differences and helping every child feel confident, comfortable, and able to be themselves.

How accessible is Westfield Primary School for my child?

We are committed to meeting the individual needs of our pupils, and make reasonable adjustments.  As part of the annual review of school premises carried out by the MNSP, accessibility issues are always considered in light of any individual need.  Our school is well supported by occupational and physiotherapists enabling us to make our school a safe environment. 

SEND Partnership Service

The SEND Partnership Service (SPS) provides free confidential and impartial information, advice and support about matters relating to special educational need or disability, including health and social care. Their Advice Line is 01225 394382 and is available Monday to Thursday 10.00am to 3.00pm. There is an answerphone outside of these hours. You can also email:  send_partnershipservice@bathnes.gov.uk

Further Links:

BANES SEND:

https://thehub.bathnes.gov.uk/Services/725

https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/special-educational-need-or-disability-send

Thrive approach for parents:

https://www.thriveapproach.com/who-we-work-with/parents-carers/

ELSA support:

https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/