Support for students with SEND at Bishop Challoner Catholic College
A warm welcome from the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team at Bishop Challoner Catholic College. As a school rooted in faith, service and excellence, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, is cherished, nurtured and valued.
Our Commitment
At Bishop Challoner, we recognise the unique gifts of every pupil and strive to provide the right support so that each student can fulfil their potential academically, socially, and spiritually. We ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, receive a broad, balanced, and enriching education that fosters independence, resilience and confidence in an ever-changing world.
How do I contact the SEND department?
Ms R Hampson is the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). The SENDCO, the Assistant SENDCO and the SEND Administrator can be contacted via email on SEND-enquiries@bishopchalloner.bham.sch.uk.
When we receive your email, you will be sent an immediate acknowledgement and then a member of the SEND Team will respond to your query within 48 hours. If appropriate your query will be directed to the relevant member of the Pastoral Team. Appointments for parents to discuss the needs of their child are available on request. The SENCO and members of the SEND team are available during open evenings, parent consultation days and SENCO surgeries.
How do we support students with SEND?
We provide a highly inclusive learning environment where students with SEND are fully integrated into the life of the school. Our provision is guided by the four broad areas of need outlined in the SEND Code of Practice:
1. Cognition & Learning
For students who require additional support with their learning, we offer:
✔ Personalised learning plans tailored to individual needs.
✔ Pupil Passports to inform teachers of the best strategies to support each student.
✔ Targeted literacy and numeracy interventions for those who need extra help.
✔ One-to-one or small group support for pupils requiring more intensive intervention.
✔ Before-school touch typing sessions and breakfast clubs to support independent learning.
2. Communication & Interaction
For students with speech, language, or social communication difficulties, including those with autism, we provide:
✔ Pastoral support from Form Tutors, Heads of Year and Personal Tutors.
✔ Advice and strategies from the Communication and Autism Team (CAT).
✔ Speech and language therapy support, including access to specialist advice.
✔ Daily nurture clubs at breakfast, break and lunchtime for social development.
3. Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH)
For students experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, we offer:
✔ Mentoring and emotional support through personalised plans.
✔ Access to pastoral support staff and well-being services.
✔ Referral pathways to external specialists, such as Forward Thinking Birmingham.
✔ Lunchtime games club and structured social activities for emotional well-being.
4. Sensory & Physical Needs
For students with physical disabilities or sensory impairments, our provision includes:
✔ Adapted learning materials and assistive technologies to support accessibility.
✔ Collaboration with Sensory Support Services for students with hearing or visual impairments.
✔ Specialist support for pupils with medical needs, including care plans developed with the school nurse.
✔ Physical access adjustments and reasonable adaptations to ensure inclusion.
Working in Partnership
Education is a shared journey between school, family, and community. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that their child’s needs are met, providing:
✔ Regular communication and progress updates.
✔ Opportunities for parents to meet with the SEND team through SEND surgeries and consultation days.
✔ Guidance on accessing additional support and services.
Further Information & Resources
At Bishop Challoner Catholic College, we are proud to serve our community of faith by ensuring that every student, regardless of their starting point, receives the support and encouragement they need to flourish, contribute and thrive.
For detailed information on our SEND provision, how to contact the department, policies, and external support services, please explore the links below: