The Church has a tradition of ministry to people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and this tradition will fuel the stronger, more broadly based efforts called for by contemporary circumstances.
"We also have faith that our quest for justice, increasingly enlisted on the side of individuals with disabilities, will work powerfully on their behalf. No one would deny that every man, woman, and child has the right to develop his or her potential to the fullest. With God’s help and our own determination, the day will come when that right is realized in the lives of all people.”
Bishops’ Conference Statement of People with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities 1976
St Cuthbert’s is a welcoming, inclusive community with strong learning and pastoral support tailored to every boy.
We recognise that needs and abilities vary over time, and all staff, leaders, teachers, and support teams work together to create a caring environment where each pupil can thrive.
We provide focused, compassionate support for pupils with SEND or those facing temporary physical, emotional, or health difficulties. Our Learning Support staff bring specialist expertise across a wide range of needs, working closely with academic and pastoral teams to monitor progress, including for pupils with EHCPs.
Staff are committed to continual professional development, ensuring we offer high‑quality support that enables boys to fully access school life and enrichment opportunities. Our team values the involvement of parents and pupils in shaping effective individual support plans.
Pastoral Staff will support boys for whom English is an additional language as they adapt to the different culture of an English secondary school and life in the United Kingdom.
The Assistant Head (SENCO and Inclusion) will ensure that appropriate arrangements are made to allow EAL pupils to access appropriate support to accelerate language acquisition including providing support, where appropriate, with learning to read. Support for EAL pupils is provided to enable them to achieve their academic potential.
The Newcastle City Council Local Offer gives detailed information, advice and support for children and young people with SEND and their families.
It has places to go and fun things to do. From school holiday activities and short breaks, to clubs and groups to join in with. There’s advice and guidance on education, health, care and a range of young people’s issues.
The service comprises of the following support teams:
SEND Outreach Service
Educational Psychology Service
SEND Sensory Service
SEND Assessment Provision and Review
Special Educational Needs Teaching and Support Service
SEND Transport
Newcastle Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) offers an impartial confidential service at any stage of a child or young person's education.
Access further information about the Newcastle City Council Local Offer
Special Educational Needs and Learning Difficulties Information Report
As a Catholic School we recognise and affirm the dignity of all, as people made in the image and likeness of God.
It is our Christian duty not only to hold and affirm this fundamental principle but to act upon it. The great majority of children grasp the opportunities offered in school, to grow to become self-disciplined, happy, mature young adults. Some young people, however, suffer disadvantages which limit their ability to access both the curriculum and co-curricular activities. In caring for the most vulnerable and ensuring an inclusive framework in our search for excellence in all and for all, the Special Educational Needs Department work towards making our vision a reality.
Many young people find themselves in the position of needing additional support at some time in their school career; the pupil who is taking longer to read than his friends, the child who has been ill and absent for a long time, the child who breaks both wrists and needs help using a laptop computer. Then there are the children with permanent disadvantages to overcome. Physical disabilities which limit their mobility and stamina, sensory impairment, behavioural and learning difficulties across the whole range from being very gifted to the handicap of specific learning difficulties and all the associated problems of limited literacy and numeracy skills.
St Cuthbert’s recognises the need to make provision all boys and to ensure that all pupils are included in every aspect of school life.
For a Special Educational Needs Department to be effective we need full participation of staff, pupils, parents and governors so that effective provision is made to secure teaching and learning opportunities that meet the needs of all pupils as a fully integrated part of the school vision and the mission of the Church.
This information report is based on the statutory Schedule 1 of the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Regulation 2014 and following legislation:
- SEND Code of Practice paragraphs 6.2. and 6.79 to 6.81
- Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014
As a school, we are committed to support pupils and students to achieve their best, become confident young men fit for the 21st century, become men of compassion, competence and commitment to themselves and others in both St Cuthbert’s and beyond. A PDF version of the report is available here.
