Across The Forest Federation, we are committed to making sure that every child feels valued, supported, included and able to thrive.

We celebrate every child as an individual, recognising and valuing their unique strengths, interests and needs. We understand that children learn and develop in different ways, and we make thoughtful adjustments to ensure that every child has the opportunity to feel confident, participate fully and achieve their best.

Our inclusive approach focuses on understanding each child and providing the right support at the right time. We work closely with children and families to identify needs early, remove barriers to learning and help every child feel that they belong within our school communities.

Our Federation SENDCO and Designated Teacher is Mrs Vicky Whitbread, directed by our Executive Headteacher Mr. Guest.
Mrs Whitbread can be contacted on email v.whitbread@forestfederation.co.uk

Our Approach

We follow the principles of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and the West Northamptonshire Council Local Offer, ensuring all children with SEND are identified early, supported effectively, and included fully in all aspects of school life.

As a Federation, we also follow the West Northants Inclusive Provision Toolkit to ensure high-quality Ordinary Available Provision is available across all our schools. 

Inclusive Provision Toolkit

The Inclusive Provision Toolkit (IPT) created by West Northampton County Council, helps our schools make sure that children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), receive the right support in their everyday school life.

What does this mean for your child?

Children do not all learn in the same way, and sometimes small changes can make a big difference. The IPT helps our staff identify what a child needs and make appropriate adjustments to support them.

This might include:

• adapting teaching and learning activities

• giving children different ways to access or demonstrate their learning

• using visual prompts, clear instructions or additional processing time

• providing support with communication, friendships or emotional wellbeing

• making changes to the classroom environment or daily routines

• providing opportunities for movement, sensory breaks or quiet spaces where appropriate.

These types of support are part of everyday inclusive practice and are available to children based on their individual needs. A child does not need a formal diagnosis or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to benefit from them.

What is “ordinarily available provision”?

You may hear schools use the term “ordinarily available provision.” This describes the range of support and adjustments that schools should normally be able to provide as part of good inclusive practice.

Inclusive education does not mean treating every child in exactly the same way. It means recognising that children have different strengths, needs and ways of learning, and making appropriate adjustments so that everyone has the opportunity to make progress.

Our staff work closely with children and families to understand individual needs and put appropriate support in place as early as possible.

The Inclusive Provision Toolkit supports our commitment to ensuring that all children can take part, feel they belong and have the opportunity to achieve their best.

Please see below for a link to the IPT:

Inclusive Provision Toolkit | West Northamptonshire Council 

West Northamptonshire SEND Local Offer: Key Information

The SEND Local Offer is a comprehensive online resource designed to support children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Northamptonshire. It provides families, carers, and professionals with clear information about available services and support options.

What the Local Offer Includes:

• Education: Details on schools, special units, colleges, apprenticeships, and home-to-school transport.
• Health Services: Information on therapies such as speech and language, occupational therapy, and mental health support.
• Social Care: Access to early help services, short breaks, and the SEND Support Service.
• Preparation for Adulthood: Guidance on independent living, employment, and further education.
• Leisure and Activities: Listings of inclusive clubs, youth groups, and social opportunities.
• Finance and Funding: Advice on personal budgets, grants, and other financial support.

The Local Offer also features a directory that allows users to filter services by age, location, and type of need, facilitating easier access to relevant information.

Please see below a link to Northamptonshire County Council SEN Local Offer.

Local Offer | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

Please see below a link to Milton Keynes Council SEN Local Offer.

Milton Keynes City Council 

For complaint arrangements please refer to our SEND Policy.