Our Ethos

• We provide a safe, inclusive environment, where everyone feels a sense of community, identity, belonging so they have the courage and self-worth to challenge themselves with no limits on learning;
• We create a culture of curiosity, cultivating a sense of awe and wonder around it and preparing our children to succeed in our rapidly-changing world.
• We give the highest priority to ensuring that all pupils are provided with strategies that enable them to progress and feel included, regardless of any difference in their ability to access the curriculum. We work in partnership with children, parents, carers and other agencies to provide the best possible educational outcomes for all our children, including those with a range of additional and complex needs. Our effective SEND policy and procedures ensure early interventions provide prompt and appropriate support for all children with additional needs, allowing them to fulfil the high expectations we have for them.

Miss Tompkins (EYFS SENDCo) 

Mrs Bennett (SENDCo) (maternity)

Mrs Patterson (SENDCo)

Mrs Garlick (SENDCo associate)

Contact: 0113 2637756 headteacher@castletonleeds.org.uk

Leeds Local Offer

Information from the local authority on what is offered to support SEND.

Government Advice on supporting your child

The Nest is our specialist SEN provision designed to offer a calm, nurturing environment where pupils can feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. It provides targeted support for children who may find the mainstream classroom challenging, helping them develop emotional regulation, confidence, and learning skills at their own pace. Through a structured yet flexible approach, The Nest supports successful inclusion and positive outcomes. The full rationale for The Nest can be found via the link below on our policies page.

Link to our policies page here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND)?

 What should I do if I think my child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND)?

How does Castleton Primary School ensure the right support for children with social and emotional special needs?

How will my child’s progress be assessed?       

How do I get a diagnosis?   

What is an EHCP and how do I get one?  

Click here to find out about children's language development:

"Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore our simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development."

Children's language development and parenting advice - BBC Tiny Happy People

Please find our SEN Information Report and Accessibilty Plan on our Policies page. 

What are the roles of the different professionals my child may be involved with?

If your child has a special educational need or disability, there could be a range of professionals involved in supporting them in school. Each has expertise in an area which is used to have as complete an approach to your child's needs as possible. Often, only a small number of professionals are involved and your child's class teacher or SENDCo will explain who they are and what they do.

The process of assessment and support for a child with more complex SEND needs can be confusing and complicated. There could be many different specialists involved in different aspects of your child's needs. Below are some of the main professionals who may be involved.

See professionals below:

 Cluster. Cluster are a group of professionals who support families of the local cluster of schools. Cluster offers expertise in family support, improving school attendance and supporting behavioural, emotional and developmental needs. They offer support through a range of strategies including therapies, counselling or courses all aimed at helping young people achieve their best. Cluster referrals are made via school or NHS services.

The cluster has an important role in the Support and Guidance team. This is made up of a wide range of professionals including school who review more complex cases and have access to the full range of support available in Leeds including CAMHS

Educational Psychologist (EP). An EP is a highly trained specialist who supports children and young people with additional needs so that they can maximise their learning. EPs make an assessment of a child's strengths and difficulties and recommend either further investigation or actions aimed at improving a child's ability to access their learning successfully. An EP may become involved if the interventions available to school are not having the desired impact or if an assessment for an EHCP has been applied for. EPs are in very high demand and work on priority cases within school.

 Class teacher - Your child's class teacher is responsible for your child's safety and education. They will use their skills and knowledge to put in place any interventions of adaptations to ensure your child can access their learning successfully. Very often, the class teacher will be able to put in place everything which is needed without the need for professionals outside of school. They are the key person to talk to about any concerns you have about your child and for updates on how your child is doing.

Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo). Every school has a teacher trained as a SENDCo. They have a wide role within school and may have their own class to teach as well. They do not deliver interventions as a SENDCo but are responsible for ensuring that the needs of children with SEND are being met. Their role includes: supporting the identification of children with special educational needs; coordinating SEND provision; liaising with professionals outside of school; supporting school to meet all its legal requirements; developing the strategic SEND policy with the head teacher and governors.

The Neurodiversity information hub - MindMate  is a one-stop information site to support all neurodivergent children, young people and their families (CYPF) in Leeds, at any point in their neurodiversity journey (currently focusing on autism and ADHD). The ‘ND Hub’ is designed to support those with or without any diagnosis, as well as those before and after neurodevelopmental assessments, and beyond. More information is being added all the time, so keep looking back to check!

Useful information/further support for parents

 Leeds local Offer 

 Leeds Mindmate 

 Government Advice for Parents and Carers of children with SEND

  Leeds NHS CAMHS information 

 Leeds SENDIASS

  SCOPE

 Protocol on the use of Reduced Timetables

Please find our mobile phone and smart  technology usage policy here