“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:13

 

Our Christian Values at the Heart of the SEND Department.

At the heart of the SEND Department are the Christian values of kindness, love, patience, respect and friendship. Whilst we promote all of Balshaw's Christian values, these are particularly important in our work with students and families. The promise in Isaiah 41:13 reminds us that God walks alongside us, offering strength, guidance and support. In the same way, we seek to ensure that every student feels valued, understood and supported throughout their journey at Balshaw's.

Kindness shapes the way we work with students, families and colleagues. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every individual feels safe, listened to and encouraged to achieve their full potential. Through our daily interactions, we encourage students to show kindness to themselves and others, recognising that small acts of consideration can have a significant impact on wellbeing and belonging.

Love underpins our commitment to inclusion. We recognise the unique gifts, talents and challenges of every student and believe that each person is worthy of dignity, care and belonging within our school community. We encourage students to demonstrate love through compassion, empathy and acceptance, celebrating difference and valuing one another as members of God's family.

Patience is central to supporting students with a wide range of needs. We understand that progress looks different for every learner and we celebrate each step forward, providing encouragement and support when obstacles arise. Students are taught that patience helps us persevere through challenges, supports positive relationships and enables everyone to learn at their own pace.

Respect guides our relationships and decision-making. We value each student's voice, work closely with families, and promote understanding of individual differences so that all members of our community can flourish together. We encourage students to respect themselves, others and the diverse strengths and needs that exist within our school community.

Friendship encourages a sense of belonging. We support students to build positive relationships, develop confidence and participate fully in school life, knowing that meaningful connections are essential for wellbeing and success. Through friendship, students learn the importance of trust, encouragement and supporting one another through both successes and challenges.

Together, these values help us to nurture confident, resilient and compassionate young people who are equipped not only to receive support from others but also to be a source of support, understanding and encouragement to those around them. We aspire for all students to leave Balshaw's knowing that they are valued, capable and never alone, just as God promises in Isaiah 41:13.

Please see the documents below for Balshaw’s Church of England High School Local Offer, which details the support we as a school can provide for students who have Special Educational Needs:

SEN Department Staff

For more information please contact: Mrs M Rogerson. Email m.rogerson@balshaws.org.uk or call 01772 421009 x173

  • Mrs M Rogerson - SENDCo and SpLD Teacher
  • Mrs L Ashworth - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Miss M Burns - SEND Admin Assistant
  • Mrs N Crook - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Miss A Davidson - Teaching Assistant (Level 2)
  • Ms C Haggitt - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Miss L Kaye - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Mrs S Makinson - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Mrs B Pearson - Teaching Assistant (Level 2)
  • Mrs J Stewart - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Mr J Tilley - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Miss Y Waring - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Miss K Waterston - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
  • Mrs S Woods - Teaching Assistant (Level 3)

SEN Documents

Updated on 09/01/2025 302 KB
Updated on 17/07/2026 596 KB
Updated on 17/07/2026 340 KB
Updated on 15/07/2026 356 KB

If your child is on the IDL Programme. They can access a specialist literacy computer programme designed for dyslexic difficulties here: https://idlsgroup.com/. Usernames and passwords can be given by staff in the SEN Department staff.

Looking After Your Child

Balshaw's is a school that prides itself on being a caring school. Each student matters to us and we aim to find an education that suits everyone both in and out of the classroom.

Our SEN Department has a very strong team of teachers, teaching assistants and support workers. Our liaison with partner primary schools allows us to follow children through their schooling enabling us to be aware of any extra help and support needed. Vulnerable students are particularly well supported with a nurture group in Years 7, 8 & 9 and additional support and withdrawal groups during the GCSE years.

Key Stage 3 Provision for Special Needs Students:

Students are supported in their learning by a structured intervention programme. The list below are examples of Wave 2 and 3 intervention

  • Individual withdrawal lessons
  • Small Learning Support groups for English and Mathematics
  • Targeted in class support across all curriculum areas to meet the student’s needs
  • Home Learning Club
  • Handwriting Workshops
  • Reading Intervention
  • Basic Numeracy Intervention
  • Time-telling Intervention
  • IDL Programme
  • Behavioural support for individual students
  • Student passports, Provision Mapping of Special Educational Needs
  • All students supported by the SEN Department follow the English and Maths Curriculum which is differentiated to meet the student’s needs
  • Social Skills group for students who have emotional literacy needs and ASD students 
  • Provision of support to aid exam completion
  • Specialist support from external agencies

Key Stage 4 Provision for Special Needs Students:

  • Small GCSE Learning Support groups for English, Mathematics and Science following the GCSE Syllabus
  • Withdrawal groups of students who are doing reduced GCSE options
  • Liaison with colleges for transition to higher education
  • Provision of Access Arrangements for GCSE exams for students who have specific learning needs
  • Individual support

The following links provide additional information and support for SEN students and their parents in Lancashire: