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Special Educational Needs (SEN)

At Samakee, we place great importance on identifying special educational needs (SEN) early so that we can help children as quickly as possible. Once it has been decided that your child has SEN, staff working with your child take into account the Samakee SEN Policy. The policy describes how we help children with special educational needs at Samakee through a step-by-step or graduated approach.

Our graduated approach recognises that children and young people learn in different ways and can have different kinds or levels of SEN. So increasingly, step-by-step, specialist expertise is brought in to help our school with the difficulties that a child may have.

If your child does not seem to be making enough progress or needs a lot more extra help, the school may contact parents so that an assessment can be carried out for your child by a Developmental Paediatrician at Merak Clinic. This is only required for a very small number of children and is only necessary if the school cannot provide all the help that your child needs. It is usually only required for children who have the most significant and long-term special educational needs which need a very detailed assessment.

The approach may include:
an individually-designed learning programme
extra help from a learning support assistant who may be assigned to your child. This occurs if it is decided by the multidisciplinary team that your child is unable to access the curriculum independently. The decision is reached and agreed on by all people working with the child.
being taught individually or in a small group for regular short periods
drawing up a personal plan in liaison with Merak and or our Inclusion Leader, including setting targets for improvement, regular review of progress before setting new targets.
Merak HomeSchool meetings with parents, carers, Merak therapists and teachers who work with your child.

Newletters & Events

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St. Andrews Samakee : Stay Connected

Your weekly window into the vibrant life of St Andrews Samakee!

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St. Andrews Samakee : Celebrating Success

Don't miss out on important dates and student achievements.

Each Friday, we share highlights from across the school, celebrating student learning, achievements, and community events.

This page is designed to keep you connected and informed about what is happening in classrooms, on the playground, and beyond. From exciting projects and performances to important updates and upcoming events, our newsletter is a window into the vibrant life of our school community.

We hope you enjoy catching up on the week’s news and celebrating the wonderful things our students are accomplishing together.


Newsletter 13 Mar 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

It has been wonderful to welcome our children and staff back to school this week following the half-term break. The energy and enthusiasm in our classrooms has been infectious, and we have been delighted to see how quickly everyone has settled back into our school routines. Our students have returned ready to learn, and our teachers are excited to continue the excellent progress made this term.

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Newsletter 27 Feb 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

What a busy and brilliant week as we reach our well-earned half-term break! School will be closed next week, and we return on Monday, 9th March. We hope you all enjoy a safe, restful and fun-filled half-term break with your families.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead!

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Newsletter 20 Feb 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

Looking Ahead to Half-Term
As we rapidly approach the half-term break at the end of next week, we have two wonderful events to look forward to that showcase our students' talent and hard work.

Parent Consultations – Tuesday and Thursday Next Week

Middle School Production: The Wizard of Oz

Welcome Back to Our Upper School Adventurers!

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Newsletter 13 Feb 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

Parent Consultations - Week Beginning 23rd February 2026
We are looking forward to discussing your child's progress during Parent Consultations the week beginning 23rd February 2026.

When and Where:
Tuesday 24th February - In-person appointments at school (2:40pm - 6:20pm)
Thursday 26th February - Online appointments via Google Meet (3:40pm - 7:00pm)

What to Expect: Each appointment is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your child's academic progress and development
- Celebrate achievements and identify areas for growth
- Ask questions and share any concerns
- Learn how you can support your child's learning at home

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Newsletter 6 Feb 2026

Dear Samakee Community,

Our Enterprise Fair: A Celebration of Community Spirit

This morning's Enterprise Fair was a wonderful example of our school community coming together. The energy and support from parents, visitors, staff, and children created a truly special atmosphere that showcased the very best of what we can achieve together. Thank you one and all!

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