Parents & Carers

Hummersknott Academy believes that partnership with parents and carers plays a key role in promoting a culture of inclusivity. Staff actively seek to work with parents and carers and value the contribution they make. All parents and carers of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are treated as partners.

Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to regularly contact the school regarding their child’s progress. The school offers regular parents’ evenings and the SENDCO and Assistant SENDCO are available to meet with parents and carers at these times. Additional meetings can be arranged via appointment throughout the school year.

The academy will provide an annual report on student progress and the SENDCO and Assistant SENDCO will offer to meet parents and carers at least three times per year. One meeting will take place in the Autumn Term and at two other occasions throughout the academic year; during these meetings SEND Pen Portrait reviews will take place. The meetings will provide parents and carers with an opportunity to share information and raise any concerns. These discussions will be led by the SENDCO or Assistant SENDCO. The pupil is encouraged to be involved in these discussions – either as a participant in all or part of the meeting, or through the gathering of the pupil’s views as part of the meeting’s preparation. A record of the outcomes, action and support agreed through the discussion should be kept – this will be sent to parents / carers and shared with relevant school staff.

Darlington Local Authority offers additional support and information for parents and carers of children who have or may have special educational needs. The ‘SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)’ can be accessed via the Darlington Borough Council ‘Livingwell’ website (https://livingwell.darlington.gov.uk), by email (iass@darlington.gov.uk) or via telephone (01325 405878).