b. SEND Ethos and Values Statement
At our small, family‑oriented church school, every child is known, valued and believed in.
Our theologically‑rooted Christian vision:
“To be a community of courageous life‑long learners, who are rooted in God, live out our Christian values and enjoy life in all its fullness” (Colossians 2:1–7)
This shapes every aspect of our SEND provision. We believe that all children, regardless of need or starting point, are created uniquely by God and are called to grow, flourish and experience fullness of life.
Our mission, “Growing together, rooted in God and inspiring one another through our values and our broad enriched curriculum,” drives a deeply inclusive culture where pupils with SEND are nurtured academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. We place the child at the centre of every decision, always beginning with the question: “How does this grow the child?”
Our school values — Gratitude, Resilience, Outreach, Wonder, Trust and Harmony (GROWTH) — guide our daily practice. They are lived out through the way we plan, teach and celebrate progress for our SEND learners. We reject narrow or limiting expectations; instead, we cultivate ambition, courage and possibility. As Ofsted recognised in 2022, “Every child is known and believed in… the headteacher cultivates an ambition for every child to achieve well with no limits placed.” This belief sits at the heart of our SEND ethos.
We understand growth as a journey: rooted in God, strengthened through supportive relationships, and nurtured through high‑quality teaching and thoughtful adaptations. Our shift from a focus on “progress” to GROWTH reflects our commitment to recognising the many ways children develop: in learning, independence, confidence, character and faith. Through tools such as our GROWTH books, personalised planning and pupil‑centred “Growth Meetings,” we ensure that every pupil’s story of growth is visible, celebrated and shared.
Our inclusive vision extends beyond the classroom. We prioritise emotional wellbeing, belonging and pastoral care so that SEND pupils feel safe, confident and connected. We work closely with families, valuing their insight, faith, aspirations and partnership. Together, we strive to create an environment where all pupils - especially those with SEND - experience love, dignity and the encouragement to step forward bravely as learners.
At Aston Rowant, growing together is more than a strapline - it is our commitment. Rooted in God, strengthened by our GROWTH values, and united as a nurturing family, we ensure every child, without exception, has the opportunity to flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness.
Glossary of Key SEND Terms
To help families understand common terminology, here are some simple explanations:
- SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- SENCO – Special Educational Needs Coordinator: the teacher responsible for overseeing SEND provision
- Quality First Teaching (QFT) – High‑quality everyday classroom teaching
- Wave 2 Support – Targeted small‑group interventions
- Wave 3 Support – Personalised, intensive support for individual pupils
- EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) – A legal plan outlining long‑term support for children with significant needs
- Local Offer – Information provided by the local authority about services and support available for children and families (see here).